Road Safety Charity Urges People To Look Out For Each Other

Brake has announced the theme for this year's Road Safety Week, which will take place between November 17th and 23rd.

The charity is urging people to "look out for each other" when out on the roads.

Leaders at the organisation believe many motorists fail to show fellow road users - particularly vulnerable people like cyclists and pedestrians - enough care and consideration.

It will use Road Safety Week as a platform to reiterate the message that aggressive drivers can cause terrible accidents.

A statement from Brake read: "Sometimes it can feel like roads are angry places, where different road users are in different tribes and competing for space and priority.

"Wouldn't it be better if, instead of being stressful and risky, streets were places where everyone looked out for and protected each other, particularly the most vulnerable?"

Earlier this year, a study conducted by Halfords Autocentres showed that around one in five drivers in the UK believe motorists generally become more aggressive and impatient during the winter months.

The research - which gauged the thoughts of 2,000 people - indicated that tailgating, speeding and driver intimidation were growing problems at this time of year.

Adverse weather means roads are usually more hazardous in the winter. This, coupled with poor driver behaviour, means road safety standards are being compromised.

During Road Safety Week, Brake will focus on encouraging drivers to slow down to 20 mph in built-up areas and to take more care at junctions.

The campaign will also be used to advise cyclists on how they can make themselves more visible to motorists.

Brake has run successful awareness-raising campaigns in the past.

In 2013, the charity's Road Safety Week featured a number of initiatives, including a programme that was specifically targeted at motorists who used mobile phones while behind the wheel.

The "Tune into road safety" scheme was supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers, which underlined the dangers of using a handset while driving.

Statistics show that more than half a million UK motorists have penalty points on their licence because they have been distracted while travelling.

Expert Opinion

Road Safety Week is a fantastic way to raise awareness about safety behind the wheel. There are so many accidents which happen unnecessarily each year when drivers are not giving their full attention to the road. <br/> <br/>“We see first-hand the devastation accidents caused by speeding drivers can have on our clients and their families. Severe car accidents can leave people with permanent or long-term injuries leaving victims needing extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation to help them on the path to recovery. <br/> <br/>“We hope that Road Safety Week’s new campaign will be successful this year and help to reduce the number of accidents on our roads by raising awareness of the importance of respecting other road users.” <br/> Colin Ettinger - Consultant