Road safety partners in North Wales are spreading the word on driving safely through events across the region as part of National Road Safety Week (19 – 25 November).

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team has been joining forces with partner agencies and giving advice on safety behind the wheel, as well as road safety advice for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders in support of the national initiative coordinated by the road safety charity ‘Brake’.

The theme for Road Safety Week 2018 is Bike Smart - more than a third of people killed or seriously injured on UK roads are those traveling by bike. Cyclists and motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in the UK, with more than 100 riders injured every day in needless, preventable crashes. The dangers (and opportunities) posed by bicycles and motorcycles are distinct but those on two wheels are united by the urgent need to reduce their risk of death and injury on our roads.

Drivers are also being 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.

As young drivers are statistically at greater risk of being involved in a collision on the road, staff from the Service have visited college campuses across the region to help deliver the ‘Deadly Impacts’ road safety presentation, which includes input from colleagues from North Wales Police, the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Network Rail and Welsh Water. This presentation will also be delivered to Service staff aged under 25 during road safety week.

In addition to this, staff also attended the recent Wales GB Rally hosted in North Wales to promote road safety to drivers.

Nigel Roberts, Community Safety Team member for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our work as a fire and rescue service does not just involve tackling house fires - we attend a high number of road traffic collisions and work tirelessly with partner agencies to help educate drivers about the potentially fatal consequences of speeding or not paying attention while driving.

“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.

“This year’s campaign focuses on how to be Bike Smart – helping deliver safe journeys for cyclists and raising awareness of safe driving behaviour for motorcycle riders and drivers.

“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.”