The 21st of November marks the beginning of Road Safety week. It was started by Brake in 1997 as a way to mitigate the tens of thousands of needless deaths and serious injuries on our roads each year.
Road safety week envisions a future in which the world’s roads are pleasant, unpolluted, and safe for everyone. This isn’t far from the realms of possibility after all safety and mobility are not mutually exclusive.
But in order to reach zero road deaths we need you to join us and take the Road safety pledge; to make a commitment to abide by 6 simple driving principles.
- Slow. I will stay under speed limits; drive according to the conditions and slow down to 20 mph outside schools, homes and shops.
- Sober. I will never drive after drinking any alcohol or take any drugs.
- Secure. I will always wear my seat belt.
- Silent. I will not use my mobile phone, to make calls, read or type whilst I drive.
- Sharp. I’ll stay focused behind the wheel, take regular breaks and avoid driving when I’m feeling tired or stressed. I’ll get my eyes tested every two years and wear glasses or contact lenses if I need them
- Sustainable. I will minimise the amount I drive. I’ll get about using public transport, walking, cycling or public transport as much as I can, for road safety the environment and my health.
Behind the road safety statistics lie a plethora of stories, we have all been affected on some level by the carnage on our roads and it is time to make it stop. You can sign up for the pledge on the brake website.
Find out more about our research into drug driving and its effects into drug driving and it’s affect on our roads here.