Supporting Road Safety Week

Driver Hire is once again showing its support for Road Safety Week, which takes place 18th – 24th November. Organised by Brake, the national road safety charity, the aim of Road Safety Week is to raise awareness of road safety issues. Whilst still having some of the safest roads in Europe, the number of deaths and injuries has not reduced significantly over the past decade. The most recent Department for Transport (DfT) figures (to June 2017) show that there were 1793 fatal accidents that year, a figure that has been largely static since 2012. The theme for this year’s Road Safety Week is ‘Step up for Safe Streets’. It highlights the need for new thinking on how we all get around and an increase in active mobility – walking and cycling. “We know the solutions are there,” says Chris Chidley, Driver Hire’s Chief Executive. “We just need policy makers to step-up and prioritise safe ways to make local journeys on foot or by bike.” “Getting more people walking or on two wheels helps the environment. It reduces congestion, makes our streets safer and life easier for those who need to drive, such as the hard-pressed delivery drivers we all rely on and are frequently working to tight deadlines. Of course, it’s important for all road-users to look out for each other, walkers, cyclists, bikers and, of course, other drivers, not just during Road Safety Week, but 365 days a year.” Thirteen year-old Dan Naylor from Wyke was knocked over on a local street whilst out playing with his friends. He sustained a broken arm and a broken collarbone in the incident. “I looked but I didn’t see the vehicle,” says Dan. “Afterwards I suffered from shock and it really knocked my confidence crossing roads. I think there should be more safe crossing points for pedestrians.” Dan is also a keen cyclist and enjoys riding with his mates. Fortunately, his accident hasn’t put him off. “We use the Spen Valley Greenway a lot and do some of the local trails through the woods. But we still have to ride on the road to get to where we want to be. Motorists can be a bit impatient sometimes, so more bike lanes would make streets safer for cyclists.” We’re also encouraging all staff across the Driver Hire Network to share their own views in the Brake Road Safety Week survey. These results will be collated and analysed by Brake, who will share the findings with local authorities to help them understand the views of the people who live, work and play on their streets. To take part in this click here.