10/05/11….Fire service joins global campaign to make roads safer

OXFORDSHIRE’S Fire and Rescue Service is supporting a global campaign to make our roads safer. In Oxfordshire last year, over 40 people lost their lives and over 2,000 people were injured on roads throughout the county. And every day around the world, 3,500 people are violently killed in a road crash.

The statistics have prompted the United Nations General Assembly to declare the first-ever ‘Decade of Action for Road Safety’, providing an opportunity for global action.

The campaign is urging governments, business leaders and the public to support it’s goals to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on the world’s roads by 2020, potentially saving up to five million lives.

To promote the official launch of the ‘Make Roads Safe’ campaign, the Chief Fire Officers Association is urging all Fire and Rescue Services in the UK to attend Motorway Services on the Wednesday, May 11.

Firefighters from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will be at Pear Tree Services on the A34 between 11am and 2pm and at Cherwell Valley Services on the M40 between 10am and 2pm, to talk to motorists about road safety, hand out leaflets and provide vital tips.

Pete Cleary, Area Manager Safety for Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service said: “The Decade of Action is an opportunity for everyone to make their communities and streets safe, whether they are a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, cyclist, or pedestrian. Making Oxfordshire?s roads safer is the responsibility of all of us as road users. Everyone can help by raising awareness and campaigning for safer roads in their community, school and workplace.”

How to help save lives

By working together we can all play an important role in achieving the decade goals.

Raise awareness with a yellow road safety tag – they can be purchased from the ‘Decade of Action’ website in the form of a badge, necklace, mini tag or reflective tag for pedestrians and bikes.

Campaign for safer roads in your community, school and workplace. Leaflets, posters and booklets are available from the ‘Decade of Action’ website: http://www.decadeofaction.org/index.html

Follow these simple tips to be safe on the roads:

Tips for motorists and motorcyclists

Always wear a seatbelt
Don?t drink or take drugs and drive, or don’t accept a lift from someone who has
Don?t use a mobile phone even if it is handsfree
Always drive for the road conditions, don?t speed and give yourself time to react
Take a break on long journeys, tiredness can kill
Never encourage the driver to speed or drive recklessly even if you are running late
If you feel unsafe in a car, talk to the driver – if they are going too fast ask them to slow down
Motorcyclists – be aware that drivers may not see you, their vision can be blocked by lampposts or signs, and take extra care when filtering through traffic

Tips for pedestrians and cyclists

Wear bright or light coloured clothing and reflective materials
Always walk on the pavement, if there isn?t a path walk facing the traffic on the right has side of the road
Find a safe place to cross ? do not cross near a bend or parked vehicles
Don?t use Ipods, MP3 players or mobile phones when crossing the road or cycling
Always stop, look and listen before you cross a road
Cyclists – wear the right gear and a cycle helmet to protect your head
Make sure your bike is road worthy and has working lights and reflectors
Don?t expect a driver or pedestrian to know what you are going to do – give a signal before you start, stop or turn

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council?s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “It is awful to think that nearly 1.3 million people die every year on the world’s roads and it is so important to raise awareness to help to reduce these figures worldwide. We should all follow the simple and effective advice from our fire and rescue service to avoid these unnecessary deaths and help keep everyone safe on the roads in Oxfordshire and throughout the UK.”

For further road safety advice please visit www.365alive.co.uk or call the Community Safety Helpline 08000 325999

For further information on the ‘Make Roads Safe’ campaign visit: www.makeroadssafe.org

NOTE:
Nearly 1.3 million people die every year on the world’s roads, and up to 50 million are injured.
90% of casualties from road deaths occur in developing countries
Annual road traffic deaths are forecast to rise to 1.9 million people by 2020
Road traffic injuries are the number one cause of death for young people worldwide

PHOTOR: The late Ellie Bongers and Greg Stiles, two of Thame’s more recent road casualties

SOURCE: Press release