Road Safety Week 2016
by Fiona Taylor
Brake, the road safety charity, coordinate a road safety week each year to look to prevent the 470 deaths and serious injuries that occur every week on our roads. This years road safety week will be 21 – 27 November.
Brake believe that good road safety is made up of 6 core strands and the campaign for 2016 will encourage drivers to commit to these 6 key elements of the Brake Pledge: Slow, Sober, Secure, Silent, Sharp and Sustainable. Non-drivers can commit to the pledge too and agree to ensure that the driver of any car that they are travelling in sticks to the 6 pledge points.
The pledge points, taken from the Brake website, Brake.org.uk, are;
Slow
Drivers – I’ll stay under limits, and slow down to 20mph around schools, homes and shops to protect others. I’ll slow right down for bends, brows and bad weather, and avoid overtaking.
Everyone – I’ll speak out for slowing down and help drivers understand that the slower they drive, the more chance they have of avoiding a crash and saving a life.
Sober
Drivers – I’ll never drive after drinking any alcohol or drugs – not a drop, not a drag.
Everyone – I’ll plan ahead to make sure I, and anyone I’m with, can get home safely and I’ll never get a lift with drink/drug drivers. I’ll speak out if someone’s about to drive on drink or drugs.
Secure
Drivers – I’ll make sure everyone in my vehicle is belted up on every journey, and kids smaller than 150cm are in a proper child restraint. I’ll choose the safest vehicle I can and ensure it’s maintained.
Everyone – I’ll belt up on every journey, and make sure friends and family do too.
Silent
Drivers – I’ll never take or make calls or texts when driving. I’ll put my phone out of sight and on silent, and stay focused on the road.
Everyone – I’ll never chat on the phone to someone else who’s driving.
Sharp
Drivers – I’ll get my eyes tested every two years and wear glasses or lenses at the wheel if I need them. I’ll take regular breaks and never drive if I’m tired, stressed or on medication that affects driving.
Everyone – I’ll look out for friends and loved ones by ensuring they only drive if they’re fit for it, and rest if they’re tired.
Sustainable
Everyone – I’ll minimise the amount I drive, or not drive at all. I’ll get about by walking, cycling or public transport as much as I can, for road safety, the environment and my health.
If you or your business want to sign up to the pledge then just visit the Brake website and make your commitment as we have done.
If you need to keep closer control of your vehicles why not get vehicle tracking fitted from Satmo – a GPS tracking unit will allow you to see exactly how your drivers are behaving behind the wheel. Call us on 01274 587748 to see how we can help you.
Fiona Taylor
Fiona Taylor is the Sales Manager at award winning Satmo Vehicle Tracking. If you feel you need help with your fleet, want to gain back control, save some money and time then please get in touch.
