Road Safety Week 2019

Almost a third of UK drivers claim to have been involved in a collision or near miss in the past twelve months, according to Brake – The Road Safety Charity’s latest survey.

‘Step up for Safe Streets’

Yesterday marked the start of Road Safety Week (18-24 November) – an annual campaign established by Brake over twenty years ago in order to increase public awareness of road safety issues and act as “the driver for positive change on UK roads”.

For 2019, the theme for Road Safety Week is ‘Step up for Safe Streets’ – in which the charity is encouraging everyone to step up and play their part in the creation of a safe and healthy future on our roads.

In a survey published to coincide with the launch of Road Safety Week, it was found that around a third of the 2,000 drivers who took part claimed to have experienced a collision, or a near miss, with a vehicle on a UK road in the past year. This rises to over 50% among young adults i.e. those aged 18-34.

According to the charity, road traffic accidents and near misses can have a substantial impact on perceptions of safety, making streets feel less welcoming and can act as a deterrent for people choosing to walk and cycle. Walking and cycling are modes of transport which have support from the road safety community and Government as they reduce car use, and therefor actually reduce the level of danger on the roads, as well as improving public health.

On average, there is a death or serious injury on a UK road every 20 minutes. Brake believes that every road death and serious injury is preventable and the road safety charity is urging all of us to think more about how we can “Step Up for Safe Streets” for Road Safety Week, while sharing inspiring stories of supporters who are campaigning to reduce the danger on roads.

How can you do your bit?

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, wants people to think about what more they can be doing to help. He said:

"These findings paint an alarming picture of the danger on our roads and yet it’s what we’re all exposed to, every day, when getting about.

“We shouldn’t have to accept this level of risk as part of our daily lives and so we are calling on everyone to “Step Up” for Road Safety Week and shout out for the solutions that we know can make our roads safe.

“Across the country, people are working tirelessly to campaign for safe streets, organising petitions, meeting with MPs and councillors and raising money and awareness.

“This Road Safety Week we want everyone to think about how they can do their bit and step up for safe streets. Can you join or start a local campaign? Do you need to take the car on your next journey, or could you walk, cycle or get the bus?

“If you are travelling by car, will you pledge to always keep within speed limits and never drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs?

“Let’s all Step Up for Safe Streets and, together, we can help make roads safer for everyone.”

Potter Rees Dolan is proud to support this initiative and we will be sharing various road safety tips and facts throughout the week, before our fundraising Superhero Day takes place on Friday 22nd, so please keep an eye out and make sure you follow us on Twitter.