This year’s Road Safety Week will be focused on all road users working together to keep the UK’s roads safe.
GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging all drivers, pedestrians and motorcyclists to get involved in this year’s Road Safety Week, which will take place between November 17th and 23rd.
David Williams, chief executive of the road safety organisation, confirmed that 2014’s theme is ‘look out for each other’. He said that GEM will be focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable road users in particular, to ensure that people get home safe every single night.
He added: “We urge drivers to pledge their support for Road Safety Week, and make an effort to reduce risk and improve safety on their journeys.
“Please consider the needs of children on foot or on their bicycles, and ensure you make allowances for those who may need a little extra time at junctions.”
The organisation has drawn up a list of tips for road users that it feels are very simple but effective. It believes they can be adopted right now and will lead to safer journeys for everyone.
Firstly, GEM wants motorists to observe speed limits, particularly in 20mph zones to help make communities protected.
Distractions should be banished, such as mobile phones – devices that GEM wants to see turned off and locked in the boot. If messages need to be checked urgently, then drivers should pull over and stop somewhere safe to do so.
GEM's third tip is anticipating problems as early as possible. For example, it advises drivers not to accelerate when approaching a junction, even if you have priority. Instead, the organisation suggests motorists take it easy to make allowances for the errors of other road users.
In addition, motorists should keep speed low and steady and bends on country lanes. The organisation believes a driver needs to make sure they can stop on their side of the road, even if the road looks clear ahead.
Finally, GEM wants people to stop treating road journeys as races and advises motorists to focus on arriving safely and keeping a calm state of mind, rather than rushing to get somewhere as this can lead to carelessness.
“If enough of us resist the temptation to be competitive, we’re removing a significant cause of most collisions, and in so doing will be reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads,” Mr Williams concluded.
Posted by Emma Grange