Road Safety

Road Safety isn’t just about looking after the highways, it incorporates the wider aspects of how we behave on the roads and interact with others.

The sad fact is that most road traffic collisions are down to human error so using the roads with care and consideration for your own safety and the safety of others is really important.

This month’s Road Safety Focus is Summer Safety

Warmer weather brings more people out in the streets and onto the roads. People are more likely to get out and about using different modes of travel. Here are some useful tips to help keep everyone safe on the roads this summer.

Pedestrians	Pedestrians	<div class="ExternalClassEF8250644B31449BB59A3C421C130316"><h3>General pedestrian safety</h3><p>Walking is one of the active transport modes with many public health benefits and precedes all other transportation modes.</p><p>However, your safety as a pedestrian is important. While you are very safe when walking along the pavement and road accidents involving pedestrians do happen. Failing to look properly is the most commonly cited causation factor for collisions involving a pedestrian, and more so when people are distracted by their mobile phones. The best advice is to give the road your full attention.</p><p>In all aspects of their life, you are your child’s biggest influence. Road safety is no exception. It’s your example that they are most likely to follow so try to be a positive role model.</p><p>You can order free resources from the <a href="http://shop.dft.gov.uk/THINKShop/" rel="external">THINK! Shop<span class="sr-only"></span></a> or check out the <a href="http://think.direct.gov.uk/education/early-years-and-primary/parents/3-to-5s/pedestrian-safety/" rel="external">THINK! Education<span class="sr-only"></span></a> website.<br></p></div>
Drivers	Drivers	<div class="ExternalClass5C036ADFCE524E008CD919CDA928FA34"><h3>Speed</h3><p>The difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death. The faster someone is driving, the less time they have to stop if something unexpected happens and the greater the collision impact. Speed limits are the maximum speed at which you can legally drive on a stretch of road, not a target.</p><p>The <a href="http://think.direct.gov.uk/speed.html" rel="external">THINK! Website</a> contains facts and advice about speeding and the consequences.</p><h3>Mobile Phones</h3><p>It is illegal to hold and use your phone while driving. Get caught and you will face 6 points and £200.</p><p>Take a look at the THINK! website if you want to know more about why you should not use your mobile phone when driving. <a href="http://think.direct.gov.uk/mobile-phones.html" rel="external">Think! Don't use your mobile phone when driving</a>.</p><h3>Close Pass</h3><p>For the 2 million people who cycle every day, close passes by cars are an almost daily occurrence. Close passes are really intimidating and account for around a third of all threatening incidents between drivers and cyclists. But there’s a simple way to stop this happening – give at least 1.5m when passing cyclists. <a href="https://youtu.be/6ofpj6L6nxg" rel="external">Find out more about how to safely pass cyclists and other vulnerable road users in this video</a>.</p><h3>Drink / Drug Driving</h3><p>Your driving is seriously affected when you've been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Alcohol and drugs give you a false sense of confidence; reduce co-ordination; slow down reactions and affect judgement of speed, distance and risk. Don’t forget that over the counter and prescription drugs can also inhibit your driving ability.</p><p>The <a href="http://think.direct.gov.uk/drink-driving.html" rel="external">THINK!</a> Drink/Drug driving website contains facts about drinking and driving and what the limits and penalties are.<br></p></div>
Cyclists	Cyclists	<div class="ExternalClass8F32B50B39C348ABBB16386C170B8035"><ul class="list list-bullet"><li>Many people say they are put off cycling because they don’t like the idea of cycling in traffic</li><li><a href="https://youtu.be/VoWtsJa3jqs" rel="external">This video</a> contains some great reminders for everyone using the roads</li><li><a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-you-can-do/cycling/cycling-safety-and-rules/road-safety-cyclists" rel="external">Follow this link</a> for tips on how to keep safe cycling</li><li>Cycling to work is a great way to start your day – and you’ll be clocking up your recommended 2.5 hours of physical activity per week before your working day starts! <a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-you-can-do/cycle-and-walk-work/commute-bike-confidence" rel="external">Sustrans</a> have some great tips on how to become a cycle commuter</li><p></p></ul><p><strong>Cycle training</strong> can help both children and adults, to develop the skills needed to cycle safely on today’s roads.</p><p></p><ul class="list list-bullet"><p></p><li>For children, Bikeability cycle training is usually delivered in schools by Cycle Leeds<br></li><li>For adults, Cycle Leeds offers adult cycling course which can help build your confidence. For more information <a href="http://cycleleeds.co.uk/" rel="external">follow this link</a><br></li><li>Our dedicated <a href="/parking-roads-and-travel/connecting-leeds-and-transforming-travel/cycling">cycling</a> page also has lots more information for cyclists<br></li></ul></div>
Bikers	Bikers	<div class="ExternalClassDD9712B094BB4C93BF373B0413C0D2A2"><p>Injuries to motorcyclists are out of proportion to their presence on our roads. Motorcyclists are just 1% of total road traffic, but account for 19% of all road user deaths.</p><ul class="list list-bullet"><li>Visit <a rel="external" href="http://think.direct.gov.uk/motorcycles.html">THINK! Motorcycles</a> for more advice and tips on how to keep you and other road users safe.<br></li></ul></div>
Horse Riders	Horse Riders	<div class="ExternalClass65C470CCA69A4FBA8EC34900E5DB44BE"><p>In the spring and summer months, the number of horses and riders out is likely to increase.</p><ul class="list list-bullet"><li>Horses are large powerful animals but they can easily panic and bolt if startled. The consequences to drivers, their car, the horse and its rider can be horrendous</li><li>Did you know that motorists and horse riders both have a right to use the road and they also share a responsibility to consider each other's needs. However, horses are easily scared by noise and can panic around fast-moving vehicles</li><li>Watch this short clip on <a rel="external" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-xdmWwz4cg&feature=youtu.be">how to safely pass horses</a><br></li></ul></div>
Going on a road trip tips	Going on a road trip tips	<div class="ExternalClassC68054155CCE4743855652F7D2550874"><p>Planning a family road trip is fun and exciting for all the family. But, planning a trip that is going to be memorable for the right reasons is important. Why not read out summer road trip blog to get some helpful tips and tricks to saying safe this summer.<br></p></div>