Road Safety Week drives home Fatal Five message
PostedRoad safety partners in North Wales are spreading the word on driving safely through events across the region as part of National Road Safety Week (17 - 21 November).
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service's Community Safety Team has been joining forces with local councils and North Wales Police and giving advice on winter driving and in-car safety, as well as road safety advice for pedestrians and cyclists in support of the national initiative coordinated by the road safety charity 'Brake'.
This year's theme is 'Look our for each other', with Brake working to highlight that being selfish on the roads can easily lead to tragedy - calling on drivers to protect people on foot and bike by slowing down to 20 in communities, looking longer and taking it slow at junctions and bends, and giving people plenty of room. They are also calling on everyone to put safety first and be considerate to one another, encouraging people on foot and bike to never take chances, and make sure they can be seen.
Staff geared up for the initiative over the weekend, engaging with spectators from across the region who came to watch the Wales Rally GB.
Drivers were urged to remember the 'Fatal Five' - Don't drink and drive, Kill your speed, Don't get careless, Belt up, and Switch off your mobile.
Former British rally champion Gwyndaf Evans lent his support to the Fatal Five message:
"Day to day driving is obviously a far cry from the thrills and spills of rally driving where roads are closed off for us to be able to safely increase our speed - remember when you are driving, always be aware of the Fatal Five which are the main causes of fatal road traffic collisions in Wales. You can help by driving responsibly and spreading the road safety message as widely as possible - never take the risk, the consequences could be fatal."
Staff will also be visiting Ysgol Bryn Hedydd primary school in Rhyl this week to provide road safety advice as part of the initiative.
Gary Brandrick, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "As we move into winter, there are lots more reasons to be extra careful on the roads. We're urging pedestrians and cyclists to wear something bright and reflective to make sure drivers can see them in the dark, and reminding drivers to clear windscreens and windows on wintry mornings."
"Road Safety Week is a great opportunity for everyone to remind themselves about key safety points. We want people to be prepared for winter. It's important for drivers to think about their own safety, but also that of other road users."