Welcome to Road Safety Wales
18/6/13
The Department for Transport has produced a series of 6 short films that aim to remind motorcyclists of essential riding skills to help stay safe. The clips cover the following situations:
- Entering the motorway
- Anticipating other road users
- Negotiating roundabouts
- Positioning on bends
- Overtaking
- Separation distances
The videos can all be viewed on the THINK BIKER facebook page, or by following @THINKgovuk
All of the clips are taken from the DSA’s Better Biking training DVD which is available to buy here.
5/6/13
Caerphilly Council’s Road Safety Team has been working with Gwent Police trying to tackle 
parking issues outside schools.
They have recruited Junior Road Safety Officers (JRSO’s) in year 5 and 6 to help promote the road safety message within their schools and community. The Junior Road Safety Officer Scheme is supported by the Welsh Government’s Regional Transport Consortia Grant.
Cwrt Rawling Primary School JRSOs put together a banner from competitions held in the school to try and stop parents parking on the zig zag markings outside the school. They also designed a leaflet that was handed out to the parents.
CSO John McDonnell advised ‘Parents beware! Parking near schools illegally can result in a £30 or £60 and 3 point fine. Please park safely’.
The headteacher Mr Cole and JRSO teacher Mrs Speed also added ‘The children have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the JRSO scheme and feel passionate about the safety of pupils, parents and visitors when entering our school. We hope the launching of the roadside banner will encourage all drivers to think about where they park when dropping their children off for school’.
If you would like further information on road safety please contact Miss Tracy Plant, Road Safety Officer, on 01495 235427.
5/6/13
Careless drivers who put other road users at risk face on-the-spot penalties under new measures announced today by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond.
The changes will give the police powers to issue fixed penalty notices for careless driving, giving them greater flexibility in dealing with less serious careless driving offences - such as tailgating or middle lane hogging - and freeing them from resource-intensive court processes. The fixed penalty will also enable the police to offer educational training as an alternative to endorsement. Drivers will still be able to appeal any decision in court.
In addition, existing fixed penalty levels for most motoring offences - including using a mobile phone at the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt - will rise to £100 to bring them into line with the penalties for similar non-motoring fixed penalties.
Stephen Hammond said:
“Careless drivers are a menace and their negligence puts innocent people’s lives at risk. That is why we are making it easier for the police to tackle problem drivers by allowing them to immediately issue a fixed penalty notice rather than needing to take every offender to court.
“We are also increasing penalties for a range of driving offences to a level which reflects their seriousness and which will ensure that they are consistent with other similar penalty offences."
Edmund King, AA President said:
“It is worrying that three quarters of drivers see others using mobile phones behind the wheel on some or most journeys.* This epidemic of hand held mobile phone use while driving has already cost lives and our members have demanded action. An increase in the standard motoring fixed penalty fine will help deter those who commit motoring offences including mobile phone use. AA members broadly support an increase in the level of the fixed penalty. Our members also fully support educational training as an alternative to penalty points.
“We are also pleased to see that at long last new powers and fines will be given to the police to tackle the top three pet hates of drivers – tailgaters, mobile phone abusers and middle lane hogs.”
Chief Constable Suzette Davenport ACPO lead on roads policing said:
“The new penalties are absolutely necessary to deal with drivers who are putting people’s lives at risk and police will not hesitate to enforce them.
“These measures should also act as a reminder to careless drivers that their behaviour will not be tolerated.
“The vast majority of drivers are law abiding, but some are still not getting the message. We said we would get tougher on those who make our roads dangerous and that is exactly what we have done.”
The fixed penalty for careless driving will be £100 with three points on the driver's licence. The most serious examples will continue to go through court, where offenders may face higher penalties.
There are no changes to penalty levels for parking offences.
Fixed penalty levels for most of these motoring offences have not increased since 2000, and are now lower than other penalties of a similar severity. In addition, raising the penalty levels for these offences offers an additional incentive for drivers to take up remedial courses which address poor driving behaviour in the longer term.
The changes - which the Government aim to bring into force in July this year - are being introduced following extensive public consultation with road safety groups and Police forces.
3/6/13
The latest National Statistics produced by the Welsh Government were released on 29 May 2013 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
Statistics include data for Wales for the period up to the end of December 2012. The latest release updates the statistics previously released on 22 May 2012.
The key points from the latest release are:
- during 2012 there were 5,971 road accidents involving personal injury recorded by the police in Wales, 463 (7 per cent) fewer than in 2011
These accidents resulted in 8,565 casualties, 841 (9 per cent) fewer than in 2011. Within this total:
-
93 people were killed on Welsh roads in 2012, some 28 (23 per cent) fewer than in 2011, it is estimated that this was the second lowest figure for road deaths in Wales (the lowest level was 2010) since the mid 1920s; and it is a little over a fifth of the peak level for the number of people killed on the roads in Wales, which was in 1974 at 424 deaths
- 941 people were seriously injured in 2012, 185 (16 per cent) less than in 2011
- 7,531 people were slightly injured, a decrease of 628 (8 per cent) compared with 2011
Document Download
SDR 84/2013 Police recorded road casualties, 2012 (File size: 188KB)
Tables: Police recorded road casualties, 2012 (File size: 163KB)
Tables: Police recorded road casualties, 2012: by local authority (File size: 3.51MB)
31/05/2013
The National All Wales Summer Anti Drink/Drug Drive campaign 2013, backed by all four Welsh Police Forces, will begin on Saturday 1st June. The month long campaign, launched by Gwent Police, will see Forces increase the pressure and focus on those drivers who drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs.
There will be increased stop checks to catch those breaking the law and police will use the campaign to reinforce the message and educate drivers.
Superintendent Gary Ashton from North Wales Police said: “If you drink and drive you will potentially not only ruin your life, but the lives of others innocently associated with you and your actions. There is absolutely no excuse for drinking and driving and the consequences can be devastating.
“You not only risk killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else, but you will end up in court and could face a fine, lose your licence or receive a jail sentence. You will have a criminal record and you could lose your job.
“As summer approaches, more people may be tempted to have a few drinks, at barbecues or whilst drinking in the afternoon, and may drive without thinking of the consequences.
He added: “Think before you go out, watch what you drink and plan how you will get home.”
Anyone with information regarding individuals who are believed to drive while over the legal limit or who drive whilst under the influence of drugs can contact the Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Notes:
- During the 2012 campaign, 19,277 people were stopped and breath tested by police in Wales and 360 of those tested positive, refused or failed to provide representing 1.9%
- In June 2012 more than 83,000 people were tested in England and Wales during the campaign and nearly 5,000 failed a breath test.
- Earlier this year The Institute of Advanced Motorists calculated the personal financial cost of drink-driving and priced it between £20,000 and £50,000. The calculation reflects the fines, legal costs, rise in insurance premiums and possible job losses faced by those who are convicted.
Do you know the legal limit for alcohol when driving?
The legal limit in the UK is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood. However, any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely. The effects can include slower reactions, poorer judgement of speed and distance and a reduced field of vision. Alcohol also tends to make you feel over-confident and more likely to take risks when driving, which increases the danger to all road-users.
The Law
If you are convicted for a drink driving offences you will:
- Have a criminal record
- Lose your licence for a minimum of one year
- You may go to prison for up to six months
- You may have to pay a fine of up to £5,000
- Have difficulty hiring a car within ten years of your conviction
If you are convicted of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink you face:
- Up to 14 years in prison
- An unlimited fine
- A minimum two-year driving ban
Other consequences:
- Face exceptionally high insurance costs once you get your licence back
- You may lose your job
29/5/13
The THINK! team has launched a new online resource centre to help teachers plan road safety lessons for school children.
The THINK! Resource Centre brings together a wide range of road safety materials for children and teenagers in one place. It is designed to help teachers, road safety officers and anyone teaching road safety to plan lessons easily and effectively.
Launching the resource, Stephen Hammond road safety minister, said: “Road deaths are at a record low and child casualties have fallen considerably in recent years, but we know there is room for improvement and I am determined to reduce casualties even further.
“THINK! education resources are already highly regarded, but we wanted to make them much easier to use in road safety lessons. This new online resource will be used by teachers across the country to give children the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe on the roads.”
The materials are organised into 25 themed lesson packs and aimed at all ages, from early years to Key Stage 4.
Each Lesson Pack is clearly labelled by Key Stage and includes a lesson plan and a range of teaching resources, such as online games, posters, stories, films and ideas for activities both in and out of the classroom. The packs also include information and activities for parents and carers, to ensure children are taught consistently at school and at home.
The Resource Centre can be used by teachers in Personal, Social, Health and Economics lessons and to provide examples for core curriculum subjects such as maths and science. The Resource Centre is also intended be useful for road safety officers and out of school groups such as Rainbows, Beavers, Brownies and Cub Scouts.
Click here to visit the THINK! Resource Centre website.
17/5/13
A young Ebbw Vale motorist is the first Blaenau Gwent winner of the Pass Plus Cymru quarterly 
draw.
Conor Jones, a student at the Blaenau Gwent Learning Zone, was presented with a cheque for £250 by Road Safety Officer Maria Barsi-Mills after his a feedback form was entered into a free prize draw. Conor’s name was drawn from a list of all participants throughout Wales who returned their evaluation form on completion of the Pass Plus Cymru Course.
Young people are over represented in incident statistics and so Pass PlusCymru is aimed at 17 to 25 year olds who live in Wales and have recently passed their driving test.
Young people taking part in the scheme will pick up tips and pointers about:
• Heading off on the motorway
• Driving techniques and hazard awareness
• Getting around at night
• Coping with busy towns and cities
• Driving on rural country roads
Blaenau Gwent Road Safety Officer Maria Barsi-Mills said:
“New drivers can lack the vital skills and experience needed to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Pass PlusCymru aims to influence them to become better and more responsible drivers and the course costs just £20.”
16/5/13
Young motorists are being urged to ensure they can see clearly when driving after a police crackdown found many at the wheel with poor eyesight. Random checks in south Wales found young drivers who did not realise they needed glasses.
The crackdown, which led to nine motorists with bad eyesight losing their licence, is to be extended to the M4.
A force road safety manager blamed a lack of eye tests in schools. During a month-long crackdown held earlier this year, police stopped 821 motorists, nine of whom lost their licences because they could not see clearly while driving. Another 29 people received cautions.
South Wales Police Insp Wayne Tucker, South Wales Police's road safety manager, said while most of those discovered to have bad eyesight were elderly, officers also found many younger people needed sight tests. We find these days young people aren't having eyesight tests in schools like they used to and as they get older they're not going to the optician”
"We feel we have made people more aware of their responsibilities in relation to eyesight when driving, especially young people," he said.
"We find these days young people aren't having eyesight tests in schools like they used to and as they get older they're not going to the optician and don't realise the danger they are putting themselves and others in by driving.
"We're not banging people over the head with a big stick about it but asking them to please be responsible. "We have had incidents where we have had to recommend they get an eye test."
Insp Tucker said one man in particular, who was in his early 30s and drove for a living, had such bad eyesight that police prevented him from driving until he got glasses. "He went straight away to an optician and got glasses there and then over the counter," he added.
New Technology
The South Wales Police crackdown against drivers with poor eyesight was launched at the end of February.
Motorists in Talbot Green, Cardiff, Aberdare and Rhondda were stopped and asked to read the registration plate of a vehicle parked 20m (65ft) away.
Police said that new handheld devices meant they could refer motorists to the DVLA immediately and they could lose their licences within hours.
In the past it could take days for a licence to be revoked, meaning potentially dangerous drivers could still get behind the wheel after police had stopped them.
The changes followed a campaign to highlight the issue after 16-year-old Cassie McCord, from Colchester, Essex, was killed by an 87-year-old driver in 2011. He had refused to surrender his licence despite failing an on-the-spot eye sight test three days earlier.
Insp Tucker said the crackdown would now be extended along the M4 corridor.
15/5/13
Motorcyclists are being urged to take greater care on roads in Wales as part of a £6m road safety drive, with mid Wales seen as an accident blackspot.
Nearly 70 bikers were killed or injured in Powys in 2011 along with 53 in Carmarthenshire and 51 in Swansea.
Transport Minister Edwina Hart said mid Wales had a "disproportionate" casualty rate.
The quiet, rural roads of Powys are known to attract visiting motorcyclists from the Midlands and South Wales, especially on summer weekends. There have been a variety of safety campaigns by the police and councils in Wales over the years to try and cut death and injury rates.
"Motorcyclists are amongst the most at-risk groups of road users in Wales," said Mrs Hart. "We have not seen a significant reduction in casualty numbers amongst motorcyclists over the last decade, in contrast to the reductions amongst other groups of road users. This is not something that I consider acceptable."
In Powys, 68 motorcyclists were killed or injured in 2011, with 51 of the incidents involving bikes with over 500cc engines, according to the latest available statistics.
"Mid Wales does have a disproportionate number of motorcyclist road casualties," added Mrs Hart. "Statistical analysis has shown that these tend to be male riders on powerful bikes, during the drier months of the year. "We will continue to work with Dyfed Powys Police and other partners through Operation Darwin which targets these riders to educate them about the importance of safety and, where appropriate, enforce the law."
Other areas of Wales with worrying crash rates include Carmarthenshire, which had 53 motorcycle casualties in 2011. Swansea had 51, Cardiff 43, Denbighshire 38, Flintshire 36 and Gwynedd 35.
'Cause for concern'
Mrs Hart said some of the £6m road safety funding would be used to fund advanced rider training courses, practical safety advice, targeted publicity and engineering schemes. "I will also soon publish our road safety framework," said the Minister.
"The consultation document highlighted the vulnerability of motorcyclists, included a specific target for casualty reduction amongst this group and placed an onus on partners to actively engage with riders."
Montgomeryshire's Conservative AM Russell George hopes Powys council will receive a significant share of the road safety funding. "I welcome the statement from the minister, particularly highlighting the real problem of motorcyclist road casualties that exists in mid Wales," he said. "It's a real cause for concern."
Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams, AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, said: "We all have a part to play in making our roads safer. "I will continue to work with Welsh government, Dyfed Powys Police and all road users to try to achieve this."
14/5/13Children in Caerphilly County Borough braved the wet weather last week and took to the roads outside their school, giving parents and drivers a lesson in road safety.
Pupils from Ynysddu Primary School have signed up to the Junior Road Safety Officer scheme which
encourages children to promote road safety issues in school and around their community.
Earlier this year, Gwent Police launched the All Wales Seat Belt campaign, which stressed the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt and warned that “belting up can save a life.” In support of that campaign, pupils from the school gathered outside the school at the end of the day to speak to parents and other drivers about the importance of wearing a seatbelt and took part in a seatbelt count, counting the number of drivers wearing their seatbelts as they drove past.
In just 10 minutes the children counted 14 drivers, 2 passengers and 6 rear seat passengers who were not wearing seatbelts.
Cllr Tom Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transportation and Engineering said, “Belting up should be a driver’s number one priority as soon as they enter their vehicle, but unfortunately some drivers still fail to wear their seatbelts. It is encouraging to see some of our youngest residents promoting the importance of a seatbelt and getting the message across to their parents and other drivers in their community that wearing a seat belt can save your life.”
The Junior Road Safety Officers assist Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Road Safety Officers by promoting road safety issues in their school. They run competitions, encourage road safety amongst their peers and their parents and give out prizes for good road safety behaviour.
13/5/13
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Ceredigion County Council’s Road Safety Team are joining forces to check child car seats as part of their In Car Safety Campaign 2013.
Previous checks in Ceredigion have shown that 8 out of 10 car seats are fitted incorrectly – so please take just a couple of minutes out of your shopping trip to get your child car seat checked for free by qualified personnel.
The teams can be visited at any one of the following locations:
20/05/2013 Tesco, Cardigan, 10am - 3pm
21/05/2013 Sainsbury’s, Lampeter, 10am – 3pm
22/05/2012 Morrisons, Aberystwyth, 10am – 3pm
23/05/2013 Matalan, Aberystwyth, 10am – 3pm
Ceredigion Road Safety Officer Terry Jones said: "The overall aim of this initiative is to raise awareness amongst parents of how their child car seats should be fitted and ultimately reduce serious injuries and death on our roads. I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to stop by at any one of our locations to get their sets checked free of charge by qualified personnel”.
Mrs Catrin Davies from Llandysul, who had her car seat checked during the last round of checks said: “I was horrified that I had been travelling with my 3 year old daughter in the car with an ill fitted car seat. I’m extremely grateful to the staff for fitting the car seat correctly”’.
Did you know that…
- Children under 3 years MUST use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in any vehicle (including vans and other goods vehicle).
- Rear facing baby seats MUST NOT be used in a seat protected by a frontal air bag unless the air bag has been deactivated manually or automatically.
- In vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children under 3 years to 135cms in height (approx. 4ft 5 inch) MUST use the appropriate child restraint.
Three exceptions allow these children to travel in the rear and use an adult belt:
- in a taxi, if the correct restraint is not available
- for a short distance in an unexpected necessity, if the correct restraint is not available.
- where two child seats in the rear prevent the fitness of a third child seat
If you have any queries regarding In car Safety or the new child car seat law please come along to one of the campaigns/initiatives or call the Road Safety Team on 01545 572 409.
8/5/13
Sixty years since he was created, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ retired road safety squirrel Tufty Fluffytail will feature in an exhibition exploring international state-related propaganda from the 20th and 21st centuries, which opens next week.
Tufty, a red squirrel with signature blue and yellow clothing, was created by the late Elsie Mills MBE in 1953 to help communicate simple safety messages to children. Now, the ever-popular creature, who was joined in his adventures by Minnie Mole and Willy Weasel to name a few of his companions, will feature in the British Library’s exhibition Propaganda: Power and Persuasion, from May 17 to September 17.
The exhibition, which covers state-related propaganda from around the world, will be split into six sections: origins; nation; war; enemy; health; and, propaganda in the 21st century. It will feature Tufty memorabilia from the British Library’s archives, including a bag and greetings card, plus a RoSPA poster from the 1960s featuring statistics about children and road accidents. Tufty is displayed alongside other examples of the ways in which state organisations, and those with close links to the state, attempt to change behaviour and influence attitudes on a range of issues relating to health and risky behaviour.
Tufty had a long and varied career in road safety. In 1961, the Tufty Club was set up as a nationwide network of local groups through which millions of children learned about road safety. At its peak, there were 24,500 registered Tufty Clubs. Tufty’s image was changed to keep up with the times in 1979 and again in 1993. Then in 2007, he made a guest appearance in the cult BBC series Life on Mars.
Tom Mullarkey, chief executive of RoSPA, a safety charity with a history stretching back 97 years, said: “The exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to mark Tufty’s 60th birthday and to acknowledge his contribution to society. Tufty was an iconic aid to road safety education, teaching generations of children right through the 60s and 70s and into the 80s and 90s.
“Although it might seem strange to consider him as propaganda, the British Library’s exhibition is a fitting reminder of Tufty, his powers of persuasion and his enduring legacy as artwork.”
Jude England, head of social sciences at the British Library and curator of Propaganda, said: “Tufty is featuring in our exhibition as a wonderful example of a successful propaganda campaign. At its peak in the early 1970s, around two million children were members of local Tufty Clubs.
“The best public health campaigns use a number of techniques to relate their messages, ranging from shocking to humorous; Tufty’s appeal lay in the friendly images and accessible language used, for example, in the ‘kerb drill’. We expect that the Tufty exhibits will evoke childhood memories for many of the visitors to the exhibition.”
The British Library is based in Euston Road, London. The exhibition opening times will be 10am-6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 10am-8pm on Tuesdays, 10am-5pm on Saturdays, and 11am-5pm on Sundays. Last admission is an hour before closing. See www.bl.uk/whatson/exhibitions/propaganda for ticket information.
Tufty has his own web page - www.tuftyclub.org.uk - and still receives emails from former Tufty Club members. Although Tufty is now retired, RoSPA remains active in tackling the principal cause of death among children - accidents - through its work on the road, in the home, at leisure and at school. See www.rospa.com for more details.
RoSPA still produces a range of Tufty educational materials for use by children’s groups, teachers and road safety professionals, available at www.rospashop.com.
4/5/13
In April the School Crossing Patrol Service celebrated it’s 60th birthday.
To commemorate and to highlight the importance of crossing with a School crossing patrol, Road
Safety Wales invited the primary school children of Wales to take part in a poster competition.
A prize was awarded to one winner in each Regional Transport Consortia donated by Bristol Oilskins Ltd.
The winner in the TAITH region was Ffion Haf Jones a pupil at Ysgol Bethel, Caernarfon, Gwynedd.
yng Sion Jones, Paula Owen Swyddog Diogelwch Ffyrdd, Ffion Haf Jones, Malcolm Fox Bristol Oilskins Ltd
2/5/13
Three schools from the Caerphilly county borough were rewarded for their excellence in travel planning during an awards ceremony held at Cardiff City Hall recently.
The first annual Sewta (South East Wales Transport Alliance) Travel Planning Awards took place on Tuesday 23rd April, providing the opportunity to recognise and reward best practice and excellence in travel planning, as demonstrated by organisations in South East Wales.
Ysgol Gynradd Penalltau, Rhiw-Syr-Dafydd Primary School, and Bryn Awel Primary School, each received the Bronze award having successfully achieved the required standard of excellence in travel planning.
Cllr Tom Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transportation and Engineering said, “The active and effective travel planning of our schools is truly commendable. There has been a significant reduction in car use due to an increasing number walking to and from school, helping to make the Caerphilly county borough a greener place for all residents. I would like to thank the staff for their commitment and effort, without whom these awards would not have been possible.”
Cllr Rhianon Passmore, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning added, “Well done to all three schools for their success in obtaining the Bronze award. All three establishments continue to show total commitment to sustainability and to reducing congestion around their schools.”
Sewta is an alliance of 10 local authorities in South East Wales, which prepares and co-ordinates regional transport policies, plans and programmes on behalf of its constituent councils.
Wales’ Sustainable Futures Commissioner, Peter Davies, was the keynote speaker at the event, which also offered a series of free training workshops, providing valuable advice on travel planning, marketing and sustainable travel.
2/5/2013
A Caerphilly Primary School has found inspiration around the school grounds for the artwork to accompany 20mph signs, with the winning design crafted by one of their own pupils.
Ysgol Y Castell recently developed a School Travel Plan, identifying the need for a reduced speed limit outside their school. With the limit agreed and introduced, the school launched a competition to create a sign to accompany the 20mph signs.
Beca Evans Lugg, aged 9, was the lucky winner with her innovative design of geese crossing the road, a rare sight that is only seen in one place in the county borough – opposite Caerphilly Castle where the school is located.
Beca, along with three runners up were presented with their artwork and prizes by the Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cllr Gaynor Oliver.
Pictured with Cllr Gaynor Oliver are:
William Dewi 8
Holly Pipe 9
Beca Evans Lugg 9
Delun Thomas 9
1/5/13
A budding young artist from Rhondda Cynon Taf has won a prize for her school by winning a poster competition to mark the 60th anniversary of school crossing patrols.
Rhianydd Jones from Llwynypia Primary School created the winning poster for the South East Wales area in the competition organised by Road Safety Wales.
Competition sponsors were Bristol Oilskins and director Malcolm Fox kindly visited the school to present an I-pod shuffle to Rhianydd and £100 for the school. Rhondda Cynon Taf Road Safety Training Officer Geoff Evans also attended the presentation.
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Frontline Services, including Road Safety, said: “Well done to Rhianydd on winning the competition for the South East Wales area and in turn helping to promote the important work done by school crossing patrol officers.”
School Crossing Patrol vacancies often exist at certain locations throughout the County Borough and these can be very difficult to fill. If you have a few hours to spare, or know someone who does, and would like to help our children stay safe on the roads, please visit the recruitment pages of the Council’s website to view the list of current vacancies.
19/4/13
This week road safety professionals from across Wales met at the annual Road Safety Wales Convention at the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells. Topics included black box technology, data analysis, young road users, an introduction to social media, a cycling case study and motorcycle safety and tourism.
The convention lunch also included the presentation of the Annual Road Safety Awards, which recognise the good road safety practice, innovative projects and personal contributions being undertaken in Wales.
Recipients this year were:
Tina Martin and Jamie Carey nominated by Monmouthshire Road Safety
Tina and Jamie are staff at Nevill Hall Hospital and were alarmed at the number of children admitted with head injuries, which could have been avoided had a cycle helmet been worn. Following research by Monmouthshire Road Safety, into numbers of children who are wearing helmets, the ‘Kool Kids’ campaign was launched. Partnership working between Monmouthshire Road Safety, local schools and Gwent Police spread the word and helped to change behaviour, while Tina and Jamie continue to campaign by encouraging children who come into their care to wear helmets. They also relate their experiences in show and tell sessions.
Kingsley McCarthy nominated by Swansea Road Safety
Kingsley McCarthy has volunteered with Kerbcraft in five Swansea schools for over ten years. He is reliable, good fun and totally committed to child pedestrian training. Mike Bowen Deputy Head Teacher of Burlais Primary School described him as giving of his time freely; his passion for keeping the children safe being clear to see. Gwyrosydd Primary School described Kingsley as a ‘real gentleman’. Since 2003, he has regularly visited the school every Wednesday afternoon to teach the children road safety. He has wonderful patience with such young and lively children and has time for everyone. He is a much valued visitor to the school.
Gary Jones nominated by the Taith Regional Consortia
The Older Driver scheme was developed by Denbighshire County Council in 2004 following an accident analysis involving older drivers. A partnership between the North Wales Road Safety Group and the Wales Mobility and Driving Assessment Service was established to conduct assessment drives, with Gary at the helm. The current scheme was launched in October 2011 with over 400 assessments undertaken so far. Gary continues to provide advice and valuable support leading to a strategic approach towards the provision of a driver development programme focussing upon the needs of the older driver population throughout North Wales.
Pauline Davies nominated by Newport City Council
In September 2013, Mrs Davies will enter her fortieth year of exemplary service as a School Crossing Patrol in Newport. As Newport City Council’s longest serving School Crossing Patrol, Mrs Davies has performed her role with great passion, diligence and without complaint. Mrs Davies’s site is located at a busy signalised junction where red-light running is far from rare and traffic flow is heavy. Her longevity in the role at such a challenging site means that she has enhanced the safety of generations of children attending St. Patrick’s and St. Andrew’s Primary Schools, and now crosses the grandchildren of those she assisted at the beginning of her career! Mrs Davies was not able to join us on the day, as she was on duty, and her award was collected by Andrew Jenkins of Newport City Council. Mrs Davies will receive her award at a school assembly later this month.
Ian Williamson nominated by Powys County Council Road Safety Team
Ian is nominated for his support of the Powys and Ceredigion Road Safety Units with their work in motorcycle casualty reduction. Ian is a member of the Aberystwyth branch of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), a group that exists to promote and protect the interests and rights of all riders. He has assisted Powys Road Safety Unit through his support of existing and new initiatives, has attended engagement events and promotes RSU motorcycling initiatives to the MAG group and beyond. He has built bridges and connections between the RSU and the motorcycling community, and provided valuable feedback and constructive criticism on initiatives to move projects forward. 
Dr Mark Boulcott nominated by Dyfed Powys Police
Dr Mark Boulcott, was thrown from his motorcycle after being hit by a drunk driver who had also been taking drugs. His wife Karen died at the scene and Dr Boulcott was left disabled. Since his accident he has been actively involved in promoting the anti-drink drive message across Wales. In 2008 he took part in a seven-minute film, commissioned by the Pembrokeshire Road Safety Forum, to be shown to young people throughout the county. In telling his story he hoped to encourage social responsibility among teenage drivers and passengers. Dr Boulcott has also lent his support to all-Wales Police anti-drink drive campaigns, giving weight to the message that people who drink and drive not only affect the life of the drink driver, but the lives of others innocently associated with them and their actions.
15/4/13
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Road Safety team is offering a Free three-hour Biker Down Course.
They will be held at Cardiff Central Fire Station, Adam Street, Cardiff on 2nd and 14th May, commencing at 18.30pm.
Subjects covered will be: 
- Accident scene management
- First Aid for motorcyclists
- Science of being seen
On completion you will receive a South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Certificate of Attendance and a biker's First Aid kit..
For further information email: bikerdown@southwales-fire..gov.uk, search for 'SWFire and Rescue' on Facebook and Twitter or visit www.southwales-fire.gov.uk
15/4/13
Pupils from St David's Church in Wales Primary School in Colwinston emerged triumphant from the Road Safety Quiz 2013, walking away with a first prize following a nail biting final against pupils from Penarth's Ysgol Gymraeg Pen Y Garth. This marked the second victory for St David's in the competition - 16 years after their last success in 1997.
The annual event, which was hosted by the Vale Council's Road Safety Team, aims to make pupils more safety conscious and aware of their responsibilities as pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle passengers in an effort to reduce overall child casualties. A combination of individual, team and 'fingers on buzzers' questions made up the 10 rounds that each team faced - all based on their knowledge of the Young Person's Highway Code.
The competition is open to all primary schools in the Vale, with 38 schools taking part in the qualifying rounds using the interactive electronic technology of 'Qwizdom'. This involves teams from all schools answering multiple-choice questions via their remote control keypads, followed by a written final question decider. The teams with the highest scores are then invited to the live final.
2013 saw the first all-boys final for several years. The team of four year six pupils from Pen y Garth and the foursome from St David's were neck and neck for much of the final. The lead changed several times in the last round before St David's pipped Pen y Garth to the post, winning by 40 points to 37.5 - the closest score in recent memory.
An experienced panel of judges from the Vale of Glamorgan Council Road Safety Team presided over the event led by Clare Cameron, Principal Transport and Road Safety Officer, who was assisted by fellow officers Karen Stokes and Jayne Jenkins.
John Rogers, Quizmaster and Vale of Glamorgan Council Road Safety Officer, said:
"A big thank you must go to all the schools who took part in this worthwhile exercise. Win or lose, we hope that all the children enjoyed the experience and managed to take away at least a little more knowledge about road safety, which will hopefully stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives."
Both finalist teams received gift vouchers plus a commemorative plaque each. The winners, St David's, also received £200 for their school and a magnificent glass trophy, with £100 going to the runners-up, Pen y Garth.
13/4/13
Pupils at Ysgol Gwaun Gynfi, Deiniolen recently received a special visit from Gwynedd’s most famous cat, Carys Ofalus.
Carys Ofalus, Gwynedd Council’s road safety character visited the school to thank Mrs Jackie Warrington’s year 1 class for their hard work in spreading the important message of road safety amongst their fellow pupils.
The year 1 pupils held a special school service to raise awareness of road safety amongst their fellow classmates based on the information they had learnt from Mai Jones, Kerbcraft co-ordinator.
Kerbcraft is a popular and effective scheme that promotes road safety to young pupils. The childrenbenefit from the scheme by receiving practical training by going out and about around the school learning how to keep safe by the side of the road and when crossing.
As part of the scheme the pupil’s learnt the Green Cross Code, passing their knowledge to the rest of the school pupils.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Environment Cabinet Member said:
“There are more vehicles than ever on our roads and ensuring that everyone is safe on the road is very important to the Council.
“I’m delighted that we were able to establish Kerbcraft at Ysgol Gwaun Gynfi to help the pupils be aware of the dangers they could face on our roads.”
12/4/13
Almost 700 roadside eyesight checks have been carried out by police as part of an initiative to raise awareness of the dangers of driving with poor vision.
On Tuesday 9th April, officers from North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit carried out the checks at two locations – Llandudno and Menai Bridge, to highlight the importance of good eyesight. A total of 680 vehicles were stopped and four of those drivers received immediate driving licence revocations after being referred to the DVLA.
Acting Sergeant Mark Jones, who led the day operation said: “In North Wales there is a steady increase in the number of drivers, in particular older drivers, being involved in collisions. These collisions usually happen at junctions with one of the common themes being defective eyesight.
“All drivers have a responsibility to make sure they are fit to drive, every time they get behind the wheel and this includes making sure they meet minimum eyesight standards." He added: “Our aim, through these operations is to raise public awareness about the importance of good eyesight when driving.”
As part of the initiative, motorists were asked to stop and read the registration plate of a vehicle parked 20.5 metres away – which is the legal standard set by the DVLA. Officers now use hand-held devices to report offending drivers, and a quick email response from the DVLA means a licence can be revoked on the same day somebody is caught. Police previously had to write or fax a request for licence removal, which would take a number of days.
The changes, which came into effect in February ,follow a campaign to highlight the issue after 16-year-old Cassie McCord, from Colchester, Essex, was killed by an 87-year-old driver in 2011. He had refused to surrender his licence despite failing an on-the-spot eye sight test three days earlier.
A/Sgt Mark Jones added: “Overall the public response was very positive and in support of our operation and we will carry out further operations in the near future.”
Notes:
8/4/13
“Our lives have been ruined completely” – these are the words of a mother who lost her son in a fatal road traffic collision on Anglesey back in 2011.
Carl Wynne Hughes, or Carl ‘Felin’ as he was known to his friends, died following the collision which happened during the early hours of March 26th 2011 on the A5 in Star, near Gaerwen.
The 22-year-old had been driving a silver coloured BMW with three other people on board when he lost control of the car and collided with a wall.
Tests showed that he had taken drugs, was over the legal drink drive limit and was not wearing a seatbelt.
“This has had a massive effect on the family and we are all completely devastated. Our lives will never be the same again,” said his Mum, Susan Hughes, who, jointly with Eleri Thomas, Carl’s partner, are helping North Wales Police with the promotion of Operation Sodium, a force-wide campaign aimed at tackling drink and drug driving amongst young people.
“I’ll never forget that night when we were told what had happened. Words can’t describe how we feel about Carl’s death. We support this campaign as we don’t want another family to go through the nightmare we are experiencing.”
Eleri and Carl have a son together, who was just a toddler when Carl died. She said: “Thankfully or son Gethin is still too young to fully understand but when he’s older we will tell him all about Carl and how kind he was with people.”
Operation Sodium launched throughout North Wales last summer. Just over six months on North Wales Police are continuing in their efforts to tackle drink and drug driving amongst young people aged between 17 and 25-years-old.
Chief Inspector Darren Wareing from North Wales Police said: “The campaign involves officers from the Roads Policing Unit as well as Local Policing Services using covert and overt tactics, stepping up checks, stopping vehicles and where appropriate, breathalysing drivers and conducting field impairment tests.
“The campaign was launched in response to the growing number of young people who are being killed on the roads of north Wales, and especially on rural roads.”
Recent statistics have showed that between *August 2012 and February 2013 287 people have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. During the same period 5,041 negative breath tests were conducted.
“It is quite shocking that so far, almost 300 drivers have been arrested throughout this operation for being over the legal drink drive limit. This is simply unacceptable and strengthens our message that we will not tolerate drink or drug driving on the roads of North Wales.”
Specially designed posters have been distributed across licensed premises throughout north Wales and leaflets are being handed out by the officers who are visiting those premises in rural areas.
North Wales Police has a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which are drink and drug driving, dangerous driving including unnecessary risk taking, speeding, failing to wear a seat belt and using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Chief Inspector Wareing added: “We are committed to assisting in reducing casualties on the road through the use of targeted operations around high risk groups of people and locations while enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences.
“The risk of being seriously injured or killed rises dramatically if a decision is taken to commit a ‘Fatal 5’ offence and I want people to be aware of the devastating affect it can have and make a conscious decision not to take any chances.”
“This is about saving lives and we will continue to enforce the campaign.”
“If you have information regarding drink or drug driving or if know of anybody who regularly drives whilst over the legal drink drive limit, or who drive after taking illegal drugs, contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 – it could help save a life.”
Note:
*Operation Sodium patrols are held on weekends between Friday evenings and Monday mornings.
The Operation Sodium statistics between August 10th and February 28th do not include the 2012 Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Driving Campaign statistics.
During the All Wales Anti Drink and Drug Driving Campaign a total of 18,780 breath tests were administered in North Wales with 107 of those being positive.
8/4/13
An operation which is aimed at reducing motorcycle related deaths and serious injuries on the roads of North Walesis being launched this weekend to coincide with its 10th anniversary.
Launched in 2003, the annual Operation Focus will run from early April until early autumn and will see police officers out and about stopping and talking to bikers to educate them about the dangers, and to also prosecute those who ride dangerously.
Historically high numbers of motorcyclists descend on North Wales due to the challenging nature of the roads in areas of outstanding natural beauty such as Snowdonia.
Motorcyclists are more at risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision than any other road user, representing 1% of road traffic but accounting for 18% of all fatalities.
During 2012 there were a total of 63 serious collisions involving motorcyclists with a notable increase in the number of riders from outside the Force area.
Officers hope to reduce this figure by encouraging riders to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of other road users.
Police will patrol the roads where collisions are most common, which include the A494, A5104, A5, A470 and the A487.
Throughout the operationBikesafe representatives will also be out and about speaking to riders and promoting the Bikesafe initiative, which offer free workshops in North Wales (subject to booking fee).
Chief Inspector Darren Wareing, who is in charge of North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit said: “Operation Focus is one of many campaigns and initiatives that we run throughout the year targeting high-risk road users. It is not about alienating the motorcycling community – it is about education and enforcement.
“Whilst the vast majority of motorcyclists ride appropriately, someriders choose to use the roads as a racetrack, committing serious breaches of road safety legislation, such as speeding and riding dangerously thereby putting themselves and other road users at risk of death or life changing injury.”
“We are committed to keeping people safe on the roads of North Wales. This isn’t about catching bikers out, we want them to enjoy the roads but most of all we want them to ride safely and responsibly.
“Responsible riders are welcome to visit the area and take in the stunning scenery and landscape, but even they face risk of death or serious injury by underestimating the risk posed by fatigue brought on by a combination of driving long distances and concentrating on navigating challenging and unfamiliar routes.
“I would also urge bikers to take the opportunity to enhance their skills through training and attend thefree Bikesafe workshops. Bikesafe is an accredited scheme which is run nationally by police forces which aims to reduce motorcycling casualties.
He added: “We will continue to target, with a view to prosecution, all those that ride or drive dangerously, at excess speed, overtake on solid white lines or commit any other road traffic offences.”
The operation is expected to run from Easter through to early October.
Further details regarding the free Bikesafe workshops are available via the Bikesafe website (www.bikesafe.co.uk)
11/3/13
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Road Safety Team marked 60 years of continuous service of the UK School Crossing Patrol Service in a special event at Llancaiach Fawr Manor House on St David’s Day.
The annual Road Safety and School Crossing Patrol Seminar showcased the range of road safety education and engineering work that is undertaken across the county borough, contributing to a reduction in the number of people being killed or seriously injured on the roads in Caerphilly county borough.
The event had a particularly Welsh theme to mark the momentous occasion, with daffodils and dragons displayed throughout the event.
Volunteers and officers who work tirelessly across Caerphilly county borough delivering Kerbcraft were all recognised and thanked for their commitment and enthusiasm, with Carol Lloyd, from Cefn Fforest, and Dorothy Thomas, from Nelson, each receiving recognition for their 25 years of continuous service as School Crossing Patrol.
Kerbcraft is an innovative road safety scheme that provides approximately 1800 school children, aged 5 to 7, with road safety training each year. The initiative aims to reduce the number of children injured on our roads by giving children practical roadside training and advice, teaching them how to be safe and responsible pedestrians.
Entertainment was provided at the event by children from Libanus Primary School, who gave beautiful musical performances in Welsh and English. As a school, Libanus Primary is committed to ensuring all pupils are trained in Road Safety, and currently provides a walking bus during the spring, summer and autumn months.
Cllr Tom Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transportation and Engineering, commented, “The volunteers and officers who work so hard to ensure safety on our roads truly deserve the recognition they received on St David’s Day. They are determined to providing the youngest residents of our county borough with the tools and knowledge required to be safe when walking near to or crossing the road. I would like to thank them for their tireless work, protecting the residents of Caerphilly county borough
11/3/13
Motorcylists are being urged to carry cards which contain potentially life-saving information in the event of an incident.
At some point in a motorcyclist’s riding life they may have an ‘unscheduled dismount’ or they may be with a rider who does. CRASH is a set of easy to remember steps to keep themselves safe, as well as the unfortunate rider who has been involved in a collision.
There is space to record information which could be vital to the attending paramedic, including current medical history and the details of any medication currently being taken.
Importantly there is also space to list the name and contact telephone number of next of kin. Many phones nowadays require a pin code to access any information, which means that the ICE number stored there cannot be retrieved.
‘Working in Partnership’
The cards were created by the national Ambulance Motorcycle Club (AMC) whose membership consists of ambulance staff who are passionate about motorcycling, and are already used in a number of areas in England and parts of Wales. In 2012 the Club was awarded a Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme Road Safety Award for the scheme.
Local Authority Road Safety teams have been working in partnership with other road safety professionals who make up Road Safety Wales, and the scheme has the backing of the Wales NHS Ambulance Trust. It is hoped that eventually these cards will be available throughout the Principality.
CRASH Cards can be obtained, free of charge from motorcycle dealers and road safety teams throughout Wales, and are suitable for all users of powered two wheelers from the young person on a scooter, the worker commuting on a daily basis, or the motorcyclist riding superbikes around country lanes at the weekend.
Welsh Ambulance Service Medical Director, Dr Paul Hughes, said “The CRASH cards will provide our staff with vital clinical information to improve the care we can provide for motorcyclists across Wales. It’s important to remember that removing a motorcyclist’s helmet after an accident is a specialist task which should only be performed by ambulance crews or other trained personnel.”
“Such a simple thing as carrying the CRASH card could well enable us as a service to make more informed decisions regarding the treatment needed to a motorcycle collision or incident,” added Dr Hughes.
Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales said “Road Safety Wales is pleased to be involved in the CRASH Card scheme, and we look forward to the day when all motorcyclists in Wales will carry one of the cards in their helmet. Doing something as easy as picking up a card and filling it out could make a real difference to a casualty, and we hope that this is a scheme that will be embraced wholeheartedly by the motorcycling community.”
11/3/13
‘Belting up can save a life’, people will be warned as part of an All Wales campaign stressing the dangers of not wearing seatbelts. From 11th March 2013 Dyfed Powys Police will lead the All Wales Seatbelt Campaign, warning drivers they are risking their lives by not wearing belts and cracking down on motorists and passengers who
refuse to belt up.
Although most road users are fully aware of the potential consequences of not wearing a seat belt, police officers throughout Wales will be clamping down on those who continue to ignore the law, endangering all road users. Officers will also be on the roads stopping and fining drivers and passengers of all ages who flout the law.
Assistant Chief Constable Carl Langley said
“Wearing a seat belt is such a simple, easy thing to do. As police officers, we see the consequences of driving without a seat belt all too often at crash scenes. While you will face a fine if you are caught without your seat belt on, the key message we are trying to get across is that wearing a seat belt really could mean the difference between life and death - and that applies just as much to passengers as it does to drivers.
It's such a simple act to carry out and we will continue to work closely with our partners in tackling these issues."
Motorists and passengers who choose to risk their lives by not wearing a seatbelt could receive a £60 Fixed Penalty Notice or be summonsed to court where they could face fines of up to £500.
Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales added:
“We want to encourage people to recognise the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt and
we know that
there are still people across Wales who are taking that risk.
“Wearing a seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death so drivers and passengers need to realise the importance of belting up not only for their own safety but for others also.”
The month long enforcement campaign will run throughout Wales from 11th March to 24th March.
www.thinkseatbelts.com
www.childcarseats.org.uk
11/3/13
Car drivers are being urged to see the person behind the helmet and take longer to look for motorcyclists in the latest THINK! motorcycle safety campaign, launched today by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond.
The £1.3m campaign, timed to coincide with the anticipated Spring increase in motorcyclists’ return to the roads, encourages drivers to take longer to look for motorcyclists and think about the biker, not just the bike.
Stephen Hammond said:
“Motorcyclists account for just 1% of traffic but 19% of deaths on Britain’s roads and 30 bikers are killed or injured in accidents at junctions every day. I am determined to reduce this terrible toll.
"That is why we are funding this THINK! campaign to remind drivers to look out for motorcyclists - particularly at junctions - and to see the person behind the helmet not just a motorbike."
The campaign was informed by accident statistics, which show that motorists failing to look properly is a factor in half of all accidents where motorcyclists are killed or seriously injured at a junction; and wider research showing that drivers are more likely to notice motorcyclists on the roads if they know a biker themselves.
1. In Great Britain in 2011, 5,609 motorcyclists were killed or seriously injured with 74% of these occurring in accidents involving another vehicle. 69% of these casualties happened at junctions. The number of accidents increases significantly during March and April as improved weather encourages more motorcyclists onto the road.
2. Visit the THINK! website at: think.direct.gov.uk/.
1/3/13
An All Wales Art Competition is being held to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the School Crossing Patrol Service. For more information please contact your local Road Safety Officer. The
winning artist from each of the four Welsh Regional Transport Consortia will receive £100 thanks to sponsorship from Bristol Oilskins, who specialise in the design of High Visibility Clothing, in particular School Crossing Patrol Uniforms/Ancillary items.
28/2/13
The National final of the All Wales Core Programme Quiz took place in the Copthorne Hotel, Cardiff. The four teams competing for the national trophy were the successful regional winners from each of the Welsh force areas:
Each of these teams comprised of 5, year 8 pupils, who have devoted considerable time and effort in learning information about the three main themes of the Core Programme:
During the quiz, hosted by Kevin Johns, from Swansea Sound Radio, the teams answered questions on, drugs and substances, antisocial behaviour, arson reduction, personal safety, road safety, health issues, ages in law and were also tested on their powers of observation. Tension mounted as the rounds progressed with all the teams only having a few points between them at the start of the final round. At the end of round six, everyone waited in anticipation for the final score to be announced. Kevin John then confirmed the winning school as Sir Thomas Picton School from Haverfordwest, with an overall score of 55.
All the participants received a plaque and certificate presented by ACC Simon Prince, Gwent Police and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Christopher Davies. As an extra surprise and thank you for all the pupils’ hard work they were presented with an iTunes voucher and the winning school received a Lenovo ThinkPad Edge 11 Notebook with soft wear and case from G4S Group 4 Securicor.
As an extra treat the next day the teams were involved in a visit to Ely Fire Station and Techniquest, before travelling back to their home areas.
20/2/13Troedyraur, Llangwyrfon, Mydroilyn and Llanddeiniol YFC clubs were the joint winners of the 2012 
Road Safety YFC Quiz in which every club within Ceredigion participate.
During Road Safety Week in November, the Road Safety Section prepares a quiz covering different aspects which includes driving and pedestrian safety, speed limits, trailer towing regulations, consequences of dangerous driving and horse riding.
A cheque for £50 was presented to each winning club by Emyr Lloyd YFC Chairman for Ceredigion. RTC talks are regularly delivered to the county’s clubs during their weekly meetings.
County Road Safety Officer Terry Jones said “The Road Safety section regularly collaborates with the YFC organisation throughout the year visiting various shows with the exhibition trailer, arranging quizzes and competitions and I feel the annual quiz is an important element in enhancing young road users knowledge of the Highway Code.
19/2/13
THREE pu
pils from a Llanelli school are the envy of their friends, after they worked with some town rugby heroes to produce a road safety magazine.
Ysgol Cymraeg Brynseirfel friends Nathan, Ffion and Keelan worked with Scarlets team members to produce Over the Line, packed with hints about getting to school safely and healthily.
Among those the children worked with on the magazine, designed to encourage children to walk to school more, was Six Nations try-scorer George North. Team-talk messages are delivered by bulky forward Deacon Manu, backed up by healthy eating tips for school lunch boxes from Ken Owens and Aled Thomas. Full-back Liam Williams chipped in with some rules of the road and the game.
County Road Safety Manager Keith Griffiths said the Scarlets were active partners in their county-wide road safety rolling campaign. He added: "I am delighted they were so willing to give their time for this important walking to school safety initiative."
19/2/13
Chief Superintendent Cliff Filer recently welcomed Dr Charles Msiska, District Medical Officer, from the Chongwe District in Zambia and Travers Merrill of ABESU UK to South Wales Police Headquarters’ Public Service Centre.
Dr Msiska is part of a team who are working in partnership with Cardiff and the Vale University Board to pilot a project in the Chongwe District of Zambia, which aims to improve the outcomes for road traffic 
accident casualties.
There is virtually no rail network in Zambia and therefore most transportation is by road. The Great East Road is the only highway linking the Eastern Province with the rest of the country and carries very high volumes of traffic of every sort. Vehicles are regularly overloaded; poorly serviced and mechanical breakdowns are repaired on the side of the road. The risk to pedestrians is also high particularly at night due to poor roadside and vehicle lights.
From 2009 to 2011 road traffic accidents in the District increased from 479 to 1116, an increase of 133%.
As part of this fact finding visit, Dr. Msiska and his colleagues met with a number of key policy and operational managers in Wales includng Mrs Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales, to identify good practice.
Chief Superintendent Cliff Filer provided an overview of UK road legislation, and measures taken by South Wales Police and partners such as DVLA to help prevent road traffic accidents. This was followed by a tour of the Public Service Centre by Superintendent Tony Smith to highlight the importance of effective communication in providing a quality emergency care service.
Chief Superintendent Cliff Filer said: “For Dr. Msiska my key word was ‘prevention’. Work to prevent road travel accidents so that there is less need for a ‘cure’. In Zambia, and the Chongwe District in particular, this means starting with the basics and ensuring that vehicles are roadworthy and drivers regulated.”
Dr. Msiska said “It was very helpful to see how South Wales Police operates. This is the high level of service that we aspire to.”
Travers Merrill, ABESU UK, added: “Meeting the team at South Wales Police today was very beneficial. The Zambian Government are working hard to develop the infrastructure to support the emergency services in the Chongwe District, and we really appreciate the input from experts like Chief Superintendent Filer and his team.”
11/2/13
Cyclists in Cardiff are to be offered training in a bid to tackle "irresponsible" riding after complaints of dangerous speeding.
Cardiff Council is to lay on adult classes at leisure centres after the Olympics inspired more cyclists.
Cycling organisation Sustrans said safer routes were also needed.
The plans were revealed after a puppy had two leg bones broken by a speeding cyclist on the Taff Trail footpath in Llandaff North. The council said the classes will be open to all and will be run from leisure centres across the city from the spring. It wants to tackle problems such as cyclists riding too fast, on pavements and going through red lights.
'Seen and Heard'
A Code of Conduct has been introduced for the Taff Trail, which runs 55 miles (88km) between Cardiff Bay and Brecon, after years of concern and reports of accidents. Signs along the route advise cyclists to ride at a sensible speed, while dog walkers are urged to keep their animals under contro. However, locals say they are concerned about an increase in cyclists since Bradley Wiggins won the Tour de France and a gold medal at the Olympics.
Roger Huckson, who lives in Llandaff North and walks his dog there every day, said: "It's like a Velodrome when cyclists are going to and from work. "Ever since Bradley Wiggins won his medal, we've seen a lot more cyclists and they have swapped their mountain bikes for racing bikes."
'Minority irresponsible'
Cycling organisation Sustrans Cymru said the Olympics had "certainly" inspired many adults to use a bike again, which it hailed as a positive step. It said more training for adults was a good idea as it would help them gain an understanding of how to handle a bike and where to position it on a road.
"But it won't solve all of the problems," said Matt Hemsley, policy officer at Sustrans Cymru.
"You have to ask why cyclists are using the pavements and shared paths like the Taff Trail - is it because they don't feel safe on the roads?
"More safe routes are needed."
Last summer South Wales Police launched a seven week crackdown on cyclists using the pavements in Cardiff.
Cardiff council said it was working with partners including the police to come up with an action plan for cycling in the city, including the cycling training.
11/2/13
11/2/13
A Newport-based group has launched a new scheme with will see coaches and minibuses star rated for safety – a first for the UK.
Benchmark is a unique new scheme offered by BUSK, which allows operators to demonstrate they
are safety compliant by displaying awarded green stars on their fleet.
Pat Harris set up BUSK, the Newport-based bus safety group, 20 years ago this month. Originally set up as a pressure group it mounted a high profile national campaign resulting in seat belt legislation, making it a legal requirement for all coaches and minibuses to be fitted with safety belts when carrying children in the UK.
The new scheme, which was launched today will give a star rating to transport operators based on how safe they are. More than 50 companies across the country are already on board, including Pontypool-based Peakes coaches
Mrs Harris believes it allows transport companies to prove they care about passenger safety, but also shows which companies reinvest in their fleet and maintain them safely.
She said: "It’s about time parents stood up and insisted their child’s school hired on safety criteria and not just cost, and are also prepared to pay an extra pound for the trip."
Mrs Harris added: "A Benchmark company has been checked out by BUSK before they are accepted onto the scheme and they will be policed by us for as long as they remain members.
"This gives parents confidence that their child is guaranteed to be in safe hands when travelling with a Benchmarked company.
"Benchmark star rating has nothing to do with luxury and absolutely everything to do with safety."
"Cheap coach hire must always be challenged because it is normally only possible when the company offering it has fallen below an acceptable level of safety and is flaunting the regulations.
"I personally challenge any coach operator offering cheap hire to prove me wrong. "
For more information visit www.busk-uk.co.uk
4/2/13
Driving? Don’t use your phone! Support Daybreak's national campaign to stop using mobile phones while driving and help save lives.
You can support the campaign by making a pledge to make your car a Phone Free Zone. All you have to do is click here and press the button to join the campaign!
An exclusive Daybreak/One Poll survey has revealed that 1 in 4 drivers have been distracted from driving safely because of their mobile phone, with 1 in 10 admitting that they have had an accident or damaged their car. Research has shown that drivers are four times more likely to have an accident while on the phone in a moving car as reaction times are 50 per cent slower. Even with a hands free kit, reaction times can be up to 20 per cent slower.
Daybreak wants to stop drivers using their phones while driving and save lives.
Daybreak is giving away 50,000 free rear window stickers to drivers who want to show their support for the campaign. You can collect your sticker from one of 500 participating Shell Stations across Great Britain from Monday 4th February to Wednesday 6th February 2013 - not using mobile phones whilst driving is one of Shell’s 12 life saving rules that all Shell employees and contractors must follow.
Road Safety Minister, Stephen Hammond said: “Using a mobile phone whilst driving is incredibly dangerous and the vast majority of drivers know that if caught they could face a fine, penalty points and even prison in serious cases. I welcome Daybreak’s work to highlight the dangers of mobile phone use at the wheel and hope that it will make more people switch off their phones before they set off on a journey.”
31/1/13
Greater compliance with seatbelt legislation could help save lives in road crashes says RoSPA, as it marks the 30th anniversary of the law coming into force.
Well over 60,000 lives have been saved by seatbelts since January 31, 1983, when the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ then-President, Lord Nugent of Guildford, won the day for compulsory wearing in the front seat of cars by introducing an amendment to the Transport Bill in the House of Lords. A law making it compulsory to wear seatbelts in the back of cars was introduced in 1991.
There is evidence to show that seatbelt use in Great Britain remains high, with 95 per cent of car drivers and front seat passengers opting to wear them. But RoSPA is concerned that seatbelt use is lower in the rear of cars (89 per cent) and in the front seat of other vehicles (69 per cent).
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA’s head of road safety, said: “Despite the fact that thousands of lives have been saved by seatbelts thanks to RoSPA’s and Lord Nugent’s efforts, latest figures still show that a minority of people are not belting up.
“We must not become complacent over seatbelt wearing; seatbelts are highly effective in protecting vehicle occupants and significantly reduce the risk of being fatally or seriously injured in a crash.
“As television advertisements have shown, an unbelted rear seat passenger can be thrown forward and kill someone in the front of a car. In a crash at 30mph, if unrestrained you will be thrown forward with a force of between 30 and 60 times your own bodyweight.
“Ultimately, the benefits of seatbelts need to be promoted, and the perceived reasons for not wearing seatbelts reduced, particularly when it comes to educating children. Adults can set an example by wearing their own seatbelts so that children understand the necessity for them as they grow older.”
22/1/13
PCSOs in Newtown were joined recently by colleagues from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to carry out a series of observations outside local schools as part of Road Safety Week.
For the week beginning 19th November 2012, the officers from both emergency services visited all the primary Schools in Newtown and conducted observations for road safety offences outside their school.
The findings of the observations are as follows:
Not wearing Seatbelts: 115
Children not in car seats: 52
Parking on pavements: 16
Driving too fast: 47
Driving and talking on mobile phone:5
Riding bikes with no helmets: 32
Riding bikes on pavements: 10
No lights on a bike: 10
Parking on Zig Zag lines: 8
Passengers standing on buses: 3
Inappropriate parking: 7
Using bus routes as a short cut: 4
“We are now working closely with our colleagues in the fire service and the schools themselves to encourage the children to find innovative solutions to address some of the examples of road safety offences which we encountered,” said Sergeant Jonathan Rees.
“Head teachers have been spoken to and following an initial meeting with the School Council and Junior road safety officers, a road safety group will be set up within the schools.
“The six individual Schools in Newtown will be paired with their adjoining school and will meet every two weeks to discuss the issues local to their schools. Every half term a meeting will take place with representatives from the three groups to look at the most appropriate interventions.
“Hopefully this will allow the students to take ownership of the problem and come up with solutions to educate those responsible.
“PCSO'S in Newtown are also linking in with their roads policing colleagues to target and tackle the main problems highlighted from the Road Safety Week.”
16/1/13
Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC has recently rewarded dedicated school crossing patrol Gareth Watkins of Ynyswen with Family Tickets for the Christmas Pantomime of Aladdin.
Gareth has been a school crossing patrol for 10ye
ars and prior to this his wife Evelyn was a SCP on the same site for 22years. Gareth has gone out his way to help keep the children of Ynyswen safe when near the roadside by going into the school to give road safety presentations and highlighting his role as school crossing patrol. Gareth went to the pantomime with his wife Evelyn and 2 young neighbours Ellie and Pheobe. When asked if he enjoyed the panto Gareth replied:
“We all thought it was brilliant and Frank Vickery was fantastic”
The Road Safety Team would once again like to thank Gareth for all his hard work and dedication the service.
16/1/13
The number of motorists who failed roadside alcohol breath tests in Wales over the Christmas period fell in 2012.
Welsh forces tested more than 35,000 drivers from 1 December 2012 to 1 January 2013, an increase
of more than 7,700 tests The number of people testing positive, failing or refusing a test was 502, a drop of 43, or nearly 8%, on 2011. But police said it was "disappointing to see a minority who are continuing to ignore the law
Dyfed-Powys Police had the highest number of positive, failed or refused tests - 200 out of 11,075.
North Wales Police carried out the highest number of breath tests at 18,780, with 107 people testing positive, failing or refusing.
South Wales Police tested 3,703 people, and 156 were positive, failed or refused.
In Gwent, there were 1,935 tests, with 39 being positive, failed or refused.
The number of under-25s arrested in 2012 remains unchanged at 142.
South Wales Police led the campaign, and the force road safety manager, Wayne Tucker, said: "Although there has been a marked increase in testing across Wales, it is still disappointing to see that some drivers are continuing to risk their lives and those of others by consuming alcohol and then getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.
"It is evident from the results that a majority of drivers across Wales are responsible and law-abiding, however it is still disappointing to see a minority who are continuing to ignore the law."
He added: "It cannot be stressed highly enough that any amount of drugs or alcohol can impair a person's ability to judge speed and distance, and inevitably endanger the lives of other motorists."
He said officers across Wales would continue to "target areas where drink driving is prevalent".
8/1/13
Daniel Badrock an Engineering student from Connahs Quay recently won the Pass Plus Cymru Quarterly Draw.
Daniel's name was drawn from a list of all participants, throughout Wales, who returned their evaluation form on completion of the Young Drivers Course after completing the Pass Plus Cymru driver training programme.
He is pictured here receiving his cheque for £250.00 from his Approved Driving Instructor Eddie Cliffe accompanied by Flintshire Assistant Road Safety Officer Chris Cogswell.
7/1/13
The annual Welsh Road Safety Awards recognise the good road safety practice, innovative projects and personal contributions being undertaken in Wales. The Award Scheme publicises and raises awareness of the contributions towards road casualty reduction targets.
Nominations should be submitted on the form below, (accompanied by any relevant supporting material).
Winners will be invited to receive their Award at the Road Safety Wales Convention lunch, on Tuesday 16 April, at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells.
Award winners will receive £100 and a souvenir gift.
Click here for the nomination form.
Please return completed forms to:
Road Safety Wales, RoSPA, 2 Cwrt-y-Parc, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5GH
Tel: 029 2025 0600 Fax: 029 2025 0601 E-mail: jbibby@rospa.com
28/12/12
The talented pupils who beat off competition from other youngsters throughout the Vale to win the Design a Banner Competition as part of the Vale’s Road Safety Awards have been revealed.
The competition required pupils to design a new banner to display outside Vale primary schools to remind people not to park on zig-zag lines or near school gates.
Ella Hadley of Ysgol Gymraeg Pen y Garth was crowned the winner at the annual Vale Road Safety
Awards earlier this month and was awarded her prize by Jamie Hobbs, Aberthaw Production Manager of sponsors Celtic Ash.
Runners-up prizes were handed to Lowri and Rhianna Reynolds of St David’s C/W Primary School, Colwinston; Molli Maclean of Peterston-Super-Ely Primary School and the Junior Road Safety Officers from Victoria Primary School, Penarth.
The winning banners will be available for schools to hire in the New Year.
The winners were then treated to a buffet and fun road safety quiz. The Vale Council’s Road Safety Officer, John Rogers, thanked everyone for attending the presentation.
28/12/12
The unsung heroes and heroines who guide the Vale’s youngsters safely across our roads twice a day, every day, were given the recognition they deserve at the Vale Road Safety Awards held earlier this month.
The annual awards presentation, organised by the Vale Council’s Road Safety Officer, John Rogers, recognises and rewards the contribution provided by those working on schools crossing patrols throughout the county. The co-ordinators and volunteers of the Kerbcraft Child Pedestrian Training Scheme were also thanked during this year’s presentation.
The top award for School’s Crossing Patrol of the Year, was handed to Jane Haines who patrols Wordsworth Avenue in Penarth. A worthy winner of the award, and described as ‘one of the quiet, unsung heroines of the Lollipop Service’, Jane is held in high regard by the children and adults of Fairfield Primary School where she’s worked on the crossing patrol for almost 10 years.
Other award-winning school’s crossing patrol winners at the 2012 awards included Ernest Ling who won the award for Barry. Ernie, as he’s known to his friends, is a popular member of the Cadoxton School community and a familiar figure at the Victoria Park Crossing where he’s worked for over 11 years.
David Letts was the winner for Penarth, Sully & Dinas Powys. David has worked as a Vale ‘lollipop man’ for nearly nine years and most recently made the move from outside Dinas Powys Infants School to his new crossing point at Murch Junior School where he’s already made a great impression with the parents and children there.
The winner of the Rural Vale area award, which comprises of Rhoose, St Athan, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge areas, was named as Karin Williams. Karin is very pro-active both inside and outside the school where she has worked for over ten years. She has a wonderful rapport with the children and parents alike at Rhws Primary School, and always has a small gathering at her crossing point.
The co-ordinators and volunteers of the Kerbcraft Child Pedestrian Training Scheme were also thanked for another successful year under the guidance of Jayne Jenkins. Kirsten Howe from Barry Island Primary School and Vicky Ahern from Cadoxton Primary School, received ‘thank you’ presentations on behalf of all volunteers. Kerbcraft is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary during which time more than 4,000 children in the Vale have received road safety instruction from a dedicated band of over 200 volunteers.
The winners were then treated to a buffet and fun road safety quiz. The Vale Council’s Road Safety Officer, John Rogers, thanked everyone for attending the presentation, he said:
‘Everyone here has played their part in contributing to road safety over the past year in the Vale – to those present, and to those who are not here, we thank you all and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to working with you again in 2013’.
19/12/12
During October’s National Tyre Month, Road Safety Wales partners alerted drivers, through a variety of media, to the perils of driving with worn tyres. It seems that for some the message went unheeded.
Police forces in Wales, during a week of enforcement (12 – 18 November) stopped and checked 1,016 vehicles. 56 drivers were issued with fixed penalty notices and advice regarding tyres was given to 24 drivers.
92 drivers were issued with endorsable fixed penalty notices, which means that the driver will receive 3 points on their licence for each defective tyre,
As well as detecting illegal and unsafe tyres, officers also found an array other defects and offences during the operation, leading to the issue of 56 vehicle defect rectification notices and there were 18 document offences relating to insurance, MOT and road tax.
Lighting defects, the presence of drugs, tachograph offences and positive breath tests were among the other issues highlighted during the enforcement campaign. Four vehicles were seized due to the driver having either no insurance or driving licence.
Alarmingly 3 vehicles were prohibited from proceeding with their journey, and 2 drivers were summonsed to appear in court due to the severe condition of their tyres.
Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales said “Every day on Welsh roads people are taking chances with their lives by driving defective vehicles. During the winter period it is more important than ever that vehicles are roadworthy, legal and safe. Don’t forget that your tyres are the only parts of the car which are in contact with the road. Safety in acceleration, braking steering and cornering all depend on a relatively small area of road contact. Correct tyre maintenance and care is critical for your safety, no matter what type of vehicle you are driving.”
During the current Christmas anti drink/drug drive campaign, Road Safety Wales is issuing reminders for vehicle and personal safety. Take time to check your vehicle for defects, and ensure that you and your vehicle are fit for the road at all times.
For further information on road safety initiatives throughout Wales please visit www.roadsafetywales.org.uk or contact Michelle Harrington RSW Secretary
02920 250 600 mharrington@rospa.com
18/12/12
Ceredigion County Council Road Safety Section recently launched a Motorcycle Ride
r Improvement Scheme, aimed at enhancing local motorcyclist’s awareness and thus increasing their safety on the roads.
Terry Jones, Road Safety Officer for Ceredigion County Council said that unfortunately accidents stats revealed that a large percentage of motorcycle accidents in Ceredigion involved local riders and that this scheme which is funded by the Welsh Government had been introduced to try and address this statistic.
The scheme consists of a power point presentation and short theory session in the morning followed by an hour’s on road assessment and de-brief and then an afternoons on road session with a maximum of two riders per instructor. The instructor’s bikes are equipped with cameras that capture the riders motorcycling ability and provide useful visual feedback at the end of the day.
Alun Williams, the Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Carbon Management said “Anyone travelling at speed on two wheels is extremely vulnerable and the numbers of motorcyclists killed and injured on the roads is far too high. The advice and self-awareness training provided in this scheme has been shown to preserve life and I’m sure the scheme will help to reduce accidents on Ceredigion’s roads.”
18/12/12
An anti-drink drive film created by an 11-year-old from St Athan has won a Road Safety Wales
award. Harry Taylor worked with the Vale Youth Street Team to devise a script, shoot and edit the short film, which the team entered into this year's Road Safety Wales Anti-Drink Drive Multimedia Competition.
And at an awards ceremony on 7 December, Harry was announced as the winner for the Vale of Glamorgan county.
The Vale Youth Street Team is a partnership approach with the Vale Youth Service and Vibe Experience.
Rhys Jones, community cohesion officer for the Vale council, said: "The Vale Youth Street Team and staff from the V-POD bus have been working with a variety of young people in St Athan for the last six months.
"A particular issue that arose was centered on drinking and young boy racers. Thinking outside the box, we asked young people to develop ideas around drink driving, being with friends and how things can change.
"We were so impressed with Harry's film that we entered it into this year's Road Safety Wales Anti-Drink Drive Competition.
"Harry has done a fantastic job and thoroughly deserves his award after all his hard work - well done Harry!"
The Vale's road safety officer, John Rogers, said: "It is so important to get the 'Don't Drink and Drive' message across to everyone, especially at this time of year.
"Harry's film highlights the fact that while most people enjoy themselves sensibly, there are still some drivers who take a chance with theirs and other people's lives by drinking and driving. They should never, ever mix."
Harry's film can be viewed on our Road Safety Education pages
12/12/12
Don’t die for a drink this Christmas Drivers supping at bars across the county this Christmas will be getting a sobering message from Carmarthenshire Council’s road safety unit Many public houses are being supplied with bar runners with the message “Don’t die for a drink this Christmas.”
This year’s Christmas anti drink driving campaign, run in conjunction with the Community Safety
Partnerships Road Safety Group, is aimed at people of all ages who deceive themselves with the notion that they are safe to drive after consuming what they regard as small amounts of alcohol.
County road safety manager Keith Griffiths said: “These people who mistakenly believe they are being ‘responsible’ are likely to be responsible for death and injury on roads."
Figures show that approximately one in six deaths on Welsh roads involve drivers who are over the legal limit.
Despite 30 years of drink drive education and enforcement, over 80,000 people in Wales are still caught drink driving annually. Often it is an innocent person who suffers, not the driver who is over the drink drive limit.
Causing death by dangerous driving whilst under the influence of drink will result in a maximum 14-year jail sentence and a minimum two year driving ban.
In addition to the bar runners the county road safety unit are producing posters, banners and z-cards with some thought-provoking facts and figures on drink-driving and the consequences of a conviction.
Drivers should remember a person can easily still be over the limit the morning after an evening’s drinking. It can take over 10-hours to be alcohol free after drinking one bottle of wine and up to 18-hours after drinking four pints of strong lager or ale.
12/12/12
A road safety seminar lifting the lid on new ways to help deliver cost-effective road safety programmes will be hosted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
With road fatalities showing their first increase since 2003, and with significantly reduced resources available for road safety, the RoSPA Road Safety Seminar will examine the potential for new technologies, engagement methods, and ways of working. It will be held at Conference Aston, in Birmingham, on March 7, 2013.
The event, sponsored by Britax, will be the safety charity’s 78th annual gathering for road safety researchers, practitioners and policymakers. The programme will explore the following themes:
- The power of using social media to spread essential road safety messages
- The benefits of adopting black box technology to record driver behaviour – especially young and at-work drivers – monitoring areas such as braking, acceleration and vehicle location
- The implications that the new public health framework – centred on the new Health and Wellbeing Boards – will have on the setting and delivery of road safety objectives in England.
Guest speakers who will outline presentations on the above themes include Kevin Clinton, road safety manager at RoSPA, who will reveal how black box technology can be harnessed to improve safety for vulnerable road users; Ruth Gore, marketing officer at Safer Roads Humber (East Riding of Yorkshire Council), who will provide a case study on the “Think B4U Drink” campaign, and how it aims to influence behaviours and attitudes towards drink driving; and Richard Jelbert, chief technology officer for MyDrive Solutions, who will provide an example of current and forthcoming black box schemes for young and at-work drivers.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA’s head of road safety, said: “The detailed figures for 2011 for Great Britain, published by the Department for Transport (DfT), show that road deaths rose by three per cent from 1,850 in 2010 to 1,901 in 2011.
“These figures must be taken as an opportunity to revise the way we work to make roads safer. It is a chance for road safety professionals and the new ministerial team at the DfT to come together and discuss the way forward.
“As road safety practitioners continue to be asked to do ‘more for less’, this seminar will be examining how effective results can still be achieved and looking at new technologies, engagement methods and ways of working. It is not to be missed.”
7/12/12
Anglesey college students will be playing their part in a national campaign to highlight the dangers of drink driving this Christmas.
Schools and colleges throughout Wales were recently invited to write, perform and record a live action multimedia presentation warning of the dangers and consequences of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.
A short film produced by second year media studies students at Coleg Menai, Llangefni, won first prize on Anglesey and gained a highly commended award nationally.
Bethan Parry from the County Council’s Road Safety Team this week presented the students with a £300 cheque to buy equipment for the college. They will also receive a £200 cheque from Road Safety Wales and ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents).
Bethan stressed, “It’s essential that all drivers know the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving. With Christmas and New Year parties coming up, we hope that this film will help re-enforce the message that drinking and driving do not mix.”
“The students’ film will now help promote the launch of the Wales Christmas Campaign against Drinking and Driving which is supported by the Isle of Anglesey County Council.
Coleg Menai’s film centres around a character portrayed by actor/co-writer, Simon Guy, who is reflecting emotionally on the death of a close friend involved in a drink drive collision. Fellow students Kirsty Grainger, Jack Close and Rhys Davies were involved in the writing and production of the imaginative film during their Welsh Baccalaureate module.
Lecturer Richard Williams said, "The students worked extremely hard on the Drink-Drive Awareness campaign, and pulled their entry together in very little time. It's such an important message to get across, and I'm very proud that their efforts have been recognised. I'll most definitely be encouraging our students to take part in this competition every year from now on."
The film can be viewed on You Tube by following the link:
Coleg Menai
6/12/12
Powys partygoers are being issued with a timely reminder to keep themselves safe on their journey home this Christmas by Powys County Council.
As well as the usual messages surrounding anti drink-driving, the council’s Road Safety Unit is reminding people that drunk walking can also be a problem
The Unit is urging people to look at a video that highlights some of the behaviours shown by revellers and drunk pedestrians on a regular night out. The short film, produced by Rataplan Films, is being advertised on the ITV Player catch-up service over the festive period and also available to watch on YouTube.
Cllr Barry Thomas, Cabinet Member responsible for Road Safety, said: “The advert is complimentary to the Road Safety Unit’s Mission: Fatal4law Facebook campaign, which offers tips and advice to followers on how to keep safe throughout the party season.
“No one wants to spoil the fun over the Christmas period but consider how it would affect those around you if you were involved in a collision because of the way you were behaving when you were drunk.”
Alyson Broome, the council’s Road Safety Project Officer, said: “We want to remind everyone to enjoy and stay safe this Christmas and keep a look out for their mates on a night out to ensure everyone gets home safely.”
If you want to see the film produced by Rataplan Films visit www.youtube.com/roadsafetypowys or follow the Road Safety Unit’s Mission: Fatal4law campaign Facebook campaign by visiting www.facebook.com/MissionFatal4law
5/12/12
Adam Thomas, 18, an Extended Diploma Design student has won a national Dyfed Powys road safety prize for his ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’ short film, which was designed to convey the seriousness of drink driving to schools in Wales.
The competition was rolled out to schools and colleges in all four police authorities in Wales. Adam, who lives in Solva, is the first Pembrokeshire student to be awarded a first prize for the Dyfed Powys area.
Adam, whose creativity is thriving in the College environment, said: “I am delighted to have won this prize, the creative freedom that I am allowed at College has helped me enormously, I made the right decision to come to College.”
Adam’s professional approach to his brief included; developing story-boards, characters, sequence planning and visual research; Adam even arranged his own music! John Gobbi, Pembrokeshire Council’s Road Safety Officer, said “We are once again pleased to be collaborating with Pembrokeshire College on addressing the important issue of road safety amongst our young people. A recent study showed 37% of 11-25 year olds were positively tested for blood alcohol in their system, which is a stark reminder of the importance of conveying the seriousness of road safety. The students did this brilliantly through their animation, the standard of work this year has been exceptional, my congratulations go to the winner – Adam, not forgetting Ross Hurst and Andy Moss who also submitted excellent work.”
5/12/12
As temperatures plummet across the UK, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging people to heed advice from its new Winter Safety Hub. Families and businesses are being offered a wealth of information including responsible working conditions in freezing weather, advice for driving on ice and snow and how to react if a dog or child falls into a frozen pond.
RoSPA’s Winter Safety Hub also highlights home safety issues from the threat of carbon monoxide to the importance of fire safety over Christmas when using candles. Families are encouraged to check on elderly relatives and neighbours to prevent life-threatening situations from hypothermia to a fall.
The online webpage by the UK’s leading accident prevention charity includes a safer journey planner for drivers setting out on long journeys over the festive season and a winter driving factsheet to help motorists stay safe in poor conditions.
Figures from the Department for Transport show that across Great Britain in 2011, 32 people were killed and 3,912 people were injured in reported road accidents when there was snow or ice on the road. There were also six people killed and 672 injured when it was snowing at the time.
Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at RoSPA, said: “With the UK braced for frost, ice and snow, it is a good time to get prepared.
“Driving conditions at this time of year can be treacherous so it pays for drivers to be one step ahead and for employers to also think about keeping their staff stay safe by considering options such as working from home when the snow arrives.
“RoSPA’s Winter Safety Hub has plenty of tips on how to adjust your driving to suit the conditions, but is also packed with other useful information on how to stay safe at home and in the community.”
The dedicated web page features sections on clearing ice and snow on pavements and how to avoid slips, trips and falls as figures show there were over 4,000 admissions to hospital in England last year due to people falling over on snow or ice.
Drivers are being encouraged to check whether their car is ready for winter. RoSPA’s advice includes:
• Check your lights are clean and working
• Keep the windscreen and windows clean and the washer bottle filled with screenwash to the correct concentration (which may be a stronger concentration during below-freezing temperatures)
Items to carry in the car include de-icing equipment (keep some outside the car too), a first aid kit and a working torch
• Think about whether you could cope if you got stuck in snow. You might want to carry a blanket, a pair of boots, a shovel, a high-visibility jacket and a mobile phone (although don’t use it when you’re driving).
And don’t forget - alcohol and driving do not mix. If you are celebrating with alcohol this Christmas, plan in advance how you will get home safely. Any amount of alcohol can impair driving ability. Be aware that you may be over the limit the morning after too - and even if you’re not over the limit, you may still be impaired. In difficult driving conditions, any impairment is magnified.
RoSPA’s Winter Safety Hub is found at: www.rospa.com/wintersafety/
3/12/12
Conwy CBC Road Safety team had a busy week during Road Safety Week. See below pictures of activities which took place.
Joanne Price- Child Pedestrian training coordinator talking to years 0,1,2,3 at Ysgol Eglwysbach about the importance of Road Safety and in particular holding hands and being seen (wearing bright clothing in the dark evenings) on the roadside.
Years 5/6 designed a speeding posters and one was chosen to be made into posters that will be put up on the lampposts into the village to remind people not to speed through the village of Eglwysbach.
Barry Dunn went into all the secondary schools/colleges in the county to talk to Year 12 pupils about becoming a young driver and all the different things to think about when they start to drive. He discussed the impact on families, friends and communities if they don’t wear a seat belt, drink and drugs drive and speed.
There was also a ‘Be Bright’ event at Ysgol Glan Conwy in partnership with the police, where all the children came to school in bright clothing and they designed posters to make people aware of the importance of wearing bright clothing on the roadside in these dark evenings. Prizes were awarded to the best designed posters.
3/12/12
The fifth All Wales Multimedia Competition was launched in September 2012 with a challenge to all Welsh schools, colleges and youth groups to devise, perform and record a multimedia presentation with an anti drink-drive message in time for Christmas.
Participants were encouraged to use a variety of genre: film, music, PowerPoint, poetry, animation – the choice was theirs. For their considerable efforts, four regional winners have been selected by the judges to receive a prize of £500.
North Wales – Yale College, Wrexham, have entered the annual competition since its inception five years ago. The college media department submit entries of the highest quality and this years’ is no exception. ‘Where’s Nan?’ shows the effects of the loss of a well-loved family member on those left behind.
Dyfed Powys – An animation by Adam Thomas of Pembrokeshire College titled ‘Nightclub’ highlights how easily one drink can lead to another, with serious and possibly catastrophic results for all. The advice to take a bus, taxi or walk home from a night out is timely and sensible.
South Wales – Bridgend College have produced the regional winning entry for South Wales. The film ‘Results Day’, addresses the issues of young people drinking before they have even started their night out. This film rightly points out that the consequences of drinking and driving can affect your whole life, but with a little thought can be avoided.
Gwent – The winning entry for the Gwent area comes from Ebbw Vale College, Blaenau Gwent. This is the first time that the Media Department has submitted an entry to the competition, but we are sure that it will not be the last. ‘SatNav’ takes a humorous, yet serious, look at the perils of drinking and driving.
The judges also highly commended the entry from Coleg Menai Llangefni, Anglesey. A highly impactive film, graphically illustrating the turmoil that can haunt a person who has been irresponsible enough to get behind the wheel whilst impaired by drink or drugs.
Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales said: “I would like to congratulate all who participated in the competition, not just the winners, but everyone from across Wales, who took the time and effort to consider this vitally important message.
“The festive season should be a time when people enjoy themselves. Unfortunately too many drivers are still prepared to risk driving under the influence of drink or drugs. No-one should be in any doubt that alcohol, in any amount, will have a detrimental effect on driving ability. Every year across Wales and the UK, impaired driving causes unnecessary deaths and casualties that could easily be prevented.
“I hope these films will bring the message home to all who see them, that drinking and driving is gambling with your licence, your life and the lives of other people.”
All five films can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/user/rospatube
28/11/12
Paralympic cyclist Simon Richardson has suggested naming and shaming drink-drivers as he backed the Wales Christmas clampdown. The 46-year-old Porthcawl rider spent nearly a month in hospital, still needs a wheelchair, and missed the London Paralympics after he was seriously injured by a drunk driver.
He suggested putting the names of photos of those convicted on buses.
Mr Richardson was injured when farmer Edward Adams, 60, of Cowbridge, ran into him on the A48 near Bridgend in August 2011. The cyclist won two gold medals and a silver at the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, but could not compete at this year's London Games.
Adams, who had been drinking the night before and told police had had had his first whisky at 6am on the morning of the accident, was jailed for 18 months last August. His trial heard that Adams had bad eyesight and should not have been driving anyway.
Mr Richardson told BBC Wales at the drink-driving launch he did not think anybody went out to cause an accident, but some could be prevented.
Giving the example of people who drove the night after drinking, he said: "You're still drunk the next day. accidents can be prevented just by leaving it that extra couple of hours.
He thinks a stronger message needs to be sent to those who drink-drive.
"I always believe drink-drivers should be named and shamed and their pictures should be on the backs of buses," he said.
The launch representing all four Wales police forces and Road Safety Wales looked at the case of a young driver who did exactly what Mr Richardson mentioned and drove the morning after drinking, not realising she was still over the limit.
Actress Kirsty Jones gave a performance as an anonymous driver who drove into a barrier on the Llanedeyrn interchange on the A48 in Cardiff in May. The 22-year-old woman who had no previous convictions was breathalysed and found to have 71mg of alcohol per 100ml breath, or nearly twice the legal limit.
Reading the woman's words, Ms Jones said: "I didn't think for a moment I'd be over the limit. I was driving to work." Following her arrest and wait in cells, she added: "I had never been so frightened and ashamed."
The woman was banned from driving for a year and fined £250 plus costs, but said the biggest impact was on her family, citing the effect on their lives and their disappointment.
She is now worried about the effect of a criminal conviction on her record and does not know whether she will return to driving when the ban ends.
The launch also saw a presentation of the four winning films by young people from around Wales to highlight the anti drink drive message.
The winners were from Yale College, Wrexham, Pembrokeshire College in Haverfordwest, Bridgend College, and the Ebbw Vale campus of Coleg Gwent.
View the winning entries here
27/11/12
This Christmas police will be targeting drivers who risk their lives and the lives of others by driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. South Wales Police will lead the month-long campaign on behalf of the four Welsh police forces, with the launch taking place at the All Nations Centre in Cardiff on Tuesday 27th November.
Last year in Wales, police officers tested a total of 27,744 motorists as part of the campaign, with 545 individuals (2%) returning either positive results or failing/refusing to take the breath test.
South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Richard Lewis said:
“Our message to drivers is that the smallest amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely, so the only safe option is to not drink at all.
“It is also important to remember that a drink you enjoy in the evening can leave you over the limit when driving your car the next morning as alcohol stays in the system for many hours after you stop drinking.
“We urge the public to contact the police if they are aware of anyone drinking and driving. That phone call could save a life this Christmas.”
The campaign will see officers across Wales conducting high profile roadside checks and using intelligence to identify offenders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Christmas and New Year initiative comes as just part of the four Welsh forces’ commitment to change attitudes to drink driving, increase road safety and catch offenders all year round.
The Chair of Road Safety Wales, Susan Storch, said:
"My advice is that if you're expecting to drink alcohol during the Christmas holiday, plan how to get home without driving. Don't offer an alcoholic drink to someone you know is planning to drive and don’t accept a lift from a driver you know has drunk alcohol."
If you have information relating to someone you think is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact police on 101. In an emergency always call 999.
20/11/12
Pembrokeshire County Council’s road safety team is distributing seat belts and child restraint leaflets to every school in the County in a bid to promote seatbelt use.
The Grizzly Gravell bear helped to launch the new seatbelt and child restraint campaign at Ysgol Eglwyswrw on Monday (Nov19th).
Junior Road Safety Officers at the school created a lifesize poster of a child 135cm tall so pupils could measure themselves to check whether they still need to legally sit on a booster seat.
The new campaign is part of Road Safety Week organised by the charity Brake.
John Gobbi, County Road Safety Officer said that earlier this autumn over 300 people had been prosecuted for not obeying car safety rules in a campaign organised by Dyfed Powys Police.
“These prosecutions highlight the need to continue to promote seatbelt use to all drivers and passengers,” he said.
“Wearing a seat belt and using the correct car restraint for a child’s height and weight, can be a life or death decision - for both drivers and their passengers.”
Under the law drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts where one is fitted and drivers are liable to prosecution if a child under the age of 14 years does not wear their seatbelt or child restraint .
If they disobey not only do they risk their lives but they could face a £60 fixed penalty notice or a court-imposed fine of up to £500.
Pembrokeshire County Council Road Safety Unit can provide free literature on the Good Egg Guide to In-Car Child Safety (in English and Welsh). For a copy please ring 01437 775144 or e-mail road.safety@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
19/11/12
Survey Shows 3 in 4 children in the region want slower speeds in their community. A campaign launched today at the start of Road Safety Week is appealing to drivers and authorities in Wales to GO 20, to bring about a 2012 legacy of safe walking and cycling.
Brake, the road safety charity, is appealing to drivers to slow down to 20mph or below in communities, and calling for widespread 20mph limits in built up areas, so children, families and adults can walk and cycle for their health and enjoyment, and as a cheap and sustainable travel choice, without their lives being endangered.
As the GO 20 campaign is launched through events across the UK, including in Swansea (see box below), a survey of 506 children in Wales [1] by Brake and partners Brain Injury Group and Specsavers reveals how children are affected by danger from fast traffic:
- More than three-quarters (77%) say drivers need to slow down around their home and school.
- Nearly three-quarters (74%) say they would be able to walk and cycle more if roads in their neighbourhood were safer.
- Four in 10 (40%) say they have been hit or nearly hit while walking or cycling, and nearly three quarters (73%) worry about being hurt by traffic when out and about (more results below).
Through events and activities around the UK, Brake, with local partners, is highlighting that slower speeds in towns, cities and villages can help deliver a post-2012 legacy of active communities, and prevent devastating pedestrian and cyclist casualties (see below). Brake is working with GoSafe in Wales to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of slower speeds. Throughout the Week GoSafe will be using mobile speed cameras to address community speed concerns at sites across Wales, reinforcing the message slower speeds save lives.
In 2012 the Welsh Government put forward proposals through the Active Travel Bill, requiring local authorities to set up a network of walking and cycling routes, to encourage more journeys on foot and bike. Brake welcomed this, but highlighted that alongside safe routes, work is needed to make whole communities safer for walking and cycling. Across the UK, more and more local authorities are choosing to GO 20 on a big scale for the benefit of the whole community.Brake is calling for: more authorities to implement widespread 20mph limits around homes, shops and schools; the UK and Welsh governments to work towards 20mph being the norm in all communities; and drivers to pledge to GO 20 in built up areas, even where 30 limits remain.
Why GO 20
- Fewer casualties: at 20, drivers have much more time to react, to help them stop in time if they need to, like if a child runs out. Studies show that when 20 limits replace 30, it means fewer casualties among pedestrians and cyclists [2]
- More walking and cycling: danger from traffic is a major barrier in enabling more people to walk and cycle.. Town and city-wide 20 limits have resulted in more people walking and cycling [3].Healthier, happier people
- More walking and cycling means healthier people, and more enjoyable outdoors activity for kids and adults. It helps communities interact and be communities
- Less pollution: GOing 20 means lower emissions from vehicle journeys [4]. Plus if more people can switch their commute or school run to foot or bike, it means less polluting traffic
- Lower costs: Poor health from inactivity costs society dearly [5]. Road casualties cost even more, due to the suffering and burden on health and emergency services [6]. Preventing casualties and improving health means GOing 20 pays for itself many times over [7]. It also helps people save money by choosing the cheapest ways to get about: foot and bike.
Read more about the case for GO 20.
Richard Coteau, campaign spokesperson at Brake, says: “Everyone in Wales should be able to walk and cycle in their community without fear or threat: it’s a basic right, and GO 20 is about defending that. The 2012 Games helped us all realise the importance of being able to live active lifestyles. Critical to this is making our streets and communities safe places we can use and enjoy. Anyone who drives can help bring this about: pledge to GO 20 in communities, even where the limit’s still 30: you’ll be helping to protect people around you, and you’ll hardly notice the difference to your journey. We’re also calling on the government and local authorities to recognise the need for 20mph, and the huge demand for safe walking and cycling, and GO 20.
”The Minister with responsibility for Transport, Carl Sargeant, said: “Any death or serious injury on our roads should be avoidable. I commend the good work undertaken by Brake, particularly in Road Safety Week, when we can all benefit from thinking more carefully about the decisions we make when using the road network. We want to work with our partners, including Brake, to reduce road casualties. My vision is for a continued reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured on Welsh roads, with the ultimate goal of no fatalities in the future. We are currently consulting on a draft Road Safety Delivery Plan which sets out how, with the help of our partners, we can target action on safety in the right areas, in the right way, to reduce deaths and serious injuries. This Plan reflects our continued commitment to making road safety apriority in Wales.
"Jim Moore, Partnership Manager, GoSafe said: “Road collisions are sudden, violent events that rip apart families by ending lives too soon, causing life-changing injuries and leading to terrible suffering. Excessive speed is one of the biggest killers of people in the UK yet these collisions are preventable. At all times, but particularly during Road Safety Week, we’re appealing to drivers of all ages to slow down; and asking the wider community to encourage others to slow down and adhere to speed limits.
’’Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, says: “We are proud to be backing Road Safety Week and joining Brake in calling for action to protect people on foot and bicycle and make our roads safer for everyone. At Specsavers we think protecting children, families and people of all ages when they walk and cycle is absolutely vital. Allowing more people to walk or cycle safely is good for health, the economy and the environment. Everyone can play a part in making this happen, but drivers in particular can take some simple steps, like committing to slowing down to 20mph where people live, and making sure they have crystal clear 20-20 vision too. If we all get behind this campaign, we can make a huge difference in preventing casualties and making our communities safer places.
”Sally Dunscombe, operations director at Brain Injury Group says: “We are delighted to support Road Safety Week and to play our part in making roads safer for people to walk and cycle. We know from our work that motor vehicle crashes account for half of all traumatic brain injuries, causing terrible suffering and turns people’s lives upside down. Slowing down to 20mph makes an enormous difference in preventing road casualties as it gives you a better chance of stopping in time in an emergency, such as if a child runs out. As well as preventing devastating casualties, if drivers slow down to 20mph it makes our communities more enjoyable places, where people – particularly children – can get out and about without being endangered. We all have a role to play in making this happen, and Brain Injury Group is committed to playing its part by getting behind this important campaign.”
Anyone can pledge their support for GO 20 and safer walking and cycling at go20.org.
More survey results506 children age 7-11 gave their views through hands-up surveys in schools in Wales. As well as the results above:
74% said they would like to walk and cycle more than they do at present
82% would like more traffic-free cycle paths in their area, and 70% would like more footpaths, pavements and crossings, which they could use to get to school, the park, shops or to see friends
40% said they are not allowed to walk unaccompanied and 48% said they are not allowed to cycle unaccompanied.
Compare results to other regions on this restricted-access web page.
Pedestrian and cyclist casualties
Official statistics show that every week in Wales, five adults and two children (age 0-17) are mowed down and killed or seriously hurt when on foot or bike.
In 2011 in Wales:
24 people were killed on foot and 237 were seriously injured. Of these victims, 33% (87) were children: one child pedestrian was killed and 86 suffered serious injuries.
11 cyclists were killed and 107 suffered serious injuries. Of these victims, 20% (24) were children: one child cyclist was killed and 23 suffered serious injuries.
In 2011 pedestrian deaths and serious injuries went up significantly across the UK, for the first time in 17 years. Pedestrian deaths increased by 12%, while serious injuries increased by 5%. While cyclist deaths decreased by 2% in 2011, serious injuries increased by 16%. [8]
Case study
Kiera Phillips, 19, from Bridgend was on a pedestrian crossing in her local town centre when a car drove into her, breaking her neck and lower back, and leaving her with serious, long-term injuries. Kiera is supporting the GO 20 campaign launch in Wales. Kiera says: “When you’re in college you should be concentrating on your studies, not having to deal with the horrendous aftermath of being run over. I went through so much pain and disruption to my life. Having to wear the brace was really uncomfortable and frustrating; I couldn’t even brush my hair. I never want anyone else to go through what I have gone through, which is why I’m supporting Road Safety Week and the GO 20 campaign, to make it safe for everyone to walk in their towns and villages right across Wales and the whole of the UK.”
Academic case study
Dr Catherine Purcell, The Dyscovery Centre, University of Wales, Newport, has been studying the ability of children to judge the speed of approaching traffic. She previously found that in certain situations, children find it hard to judge traffic speed once the speed of approach goes above 20mph, and her latest research has shown that children with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) find this particularly hard. The implication is that driving in excess of 20mph in built up areas not only reduces drivers’ chance of being able to stop in time in an emergency, but also that children, and particularly those with SpLDs, are more likely to step in front of these faster vehicles. Professor Amanda Kirby, medical director of The Dyscovery Centre, stressed “At least two or three children in every class have specific learning difficulties and it is these children who may be particularly vulnerable at the roadside. I would urge drivers to think what matters more to you: gaining a minute on your journey or taking a life?”
19/11/12
Road safety charity Brake is calling for 20mph speed limits near schools, homes and shops to cut the hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians killed or seriously hurt on Welsh roads every year.
The group says a UK-wide survey of 8,000 children shows 70% of youngsters would be able to walk and cycle more if roads in their neighbourhoods were safer.
As well as urging drivers to slow down near schools, shops and homes through their GO 20 corr campaign Brake is calling on the UK and Welsh Governments and local authorities to recognise the need for 20mph limits.
Brake’s findings show 43% of the children aged seven to 11 said they have been hit or nearly hit while walking or cycling, while a further 54% worried about being hurt by traffic.
Every week five adults and two children are killed or seriously injured on Welsh roads when walking or cycling.
Brake spokesman Richard Coteau said: “Everyone in Wales should be able to walk and cycle in their community without fear or threat: it’s a basic right, and GO 20 is about defending that.
“The 2012 (Olympic) Games helped us all realise the importance of being able to live active lifestyles. Critical to this is making our streets and communities safe places we can use and enjoy.”
As part of Road Safety WeekBrake is working with Welsh Road Casualty Reduction group GoSafe to raise awareness among drivers about the need for slower speeds in built up areas.
Throughout the week GoSafe will use mobile speed cameras to target crash hotspots across Wales.
Earlier this year the Welsh Government put forward proposals requiring local authorities to set up a network of walking and cycling routes through the Active Travel Bill.
Brake welcomed the move, but said alongside the routes, further work is needed to make communities safer for walking and cycling.
It wants the Welsh Government to work towards 20mph being the norm in all built up areas.
Studies show that at 20mph drivers have much more time to react and fewer casualties occur among pedestrians and cyclists.
Also town and city-wide 20mph limits have resulted in more people walking and cycling and lower emissions from vehicles.
GoSafe manager Jim Moore said road tragedies are “sudden, violent events that rip apart families by ending lives too soon, causing life-changing injuries and leading to terrible suffering”.
He added: “Excessive speed is one of the biggest killers of people in the UK yet these collisions are preventable.
“At all times, but particularly during Road Safety Week, we’re appealing to drivers of all ages to slow down and asking the wider community to encourage others to slow down and adhere to speed limits.’’
Student Kiera Phillips, 19, was on a pedestrian crossing in Bridgend town centre when a car drove into her, breaking her neck and lower back, and leaving her with serious, long-term injuries.
She said: “I went through so much pain and disruption to my life. Having to wear the brace was really uncomfortable and frustrating.
“I couldn’t even brush my hair. I never want anyone else to go through what I have gone through.”
Dr Catherine Purcell, of the Dyscovery Centre, University of Wales, Newport, has found children find it difficult to judge speed once it rises over 20mph.
Also her latest research has shown that children with learning difficulties like dyspraxia, dyscalculia and autism find it particularly difficult.
Professor Amanda Kirby, medical director of the Dyscovery Centre, said: “At least two or three children in every class have specific learning difficulties and it is these children who may be particularly vulnerable at the roadside.
“I would urge drivers to think what matters more to you: gaining a minute on your journey or taking a life?”
Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant said the Welsh Government is consulting on a new road safety plan aimed at cutting casualties.
This includes measures like continued support for GoSafe in targeting collision hot spots and backing UK Government plans for fixed fines for careless driving.
Mr Sargeant said: “This plan reflects our continued commitment to making road safety a priority in Wales.”
13/11/12
Nearly 1,000 motorists were caught using their mobile phones while driving during a two-week crackdown.
A total of 972 drivers across Wales were caught, including 454 in the Dyfed-Powys Police area.
South Wales Police fined 242 drivers, North Wales Police 148 and Gwent Police caught 128 drivers.
Susan Storch, chairperson of Road Safety Wales, said it was "saddening" to see so many drivers using their phones while driving. "We all need to take account of how we drive on our roads and driving a vehicle requires us to multi-task so anything above and beyond that needs to wait until we are safely parked up or until our journey has finished," she added.
"While it's saddening to see that so many motorists got caught using a mobile phone whilst driving it has also demonstrated the resolve of all the Road Safety Wales partners in tackling this issue and we will continue to work together to drive home the message that you need to switch off before you drive off."
The 2012 All-Wales Anti-Mobile Phone While Driving campaign was held last month.
Inspector Lee Ford of Gwent Police said: "This campaign is just one part of our ongoing effort to target and reduce the number of drivers who risk becoming involved in a serious or fatal collision due to using a mobile phone while driving."
9/11//12
There should be a "fundamental re-appraisal" of government public health priorities, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). A report by the charity says policies should focus on premature and preventable deaths. On that basis, action to curb accidents should be the number one priority, it says.
Public health experts have welcomed the findings.
Official figures show accidents account for just 2% of deaths in England and Wales - far behind cancer, and heart and respiratory disease.
But RoSPA says this conceals the true impact of unintentional injuries. Its report draws on data from the Office for National Statistics to argue for a new approach to public health.
The charity calculated the years of life lost as a result of premature death, based on the average number of years which those who died could have been expected to live. This moved accidents up the priority list, because many victims die young. RoSPA then filtered out deaths which could not have been prevented.
It found that up to the age of 60, accidents were the leading cause of preventable years of life lost, accounting for 23% of the total.
The charity's chief executive, Tom Mullarkey, says this is one of the most important findings in its 95-year history.
He says there is a "moral obligation" to prevent people dying before their time.
"We all know about diseases and the resources that are pumped into preventing the deaths they cause.
"But if only a fraction of that resource was used to prevent accidents we would not be faced, as we are today, with an accident epidemic that's wiping out people in their prime."
The charity says schemes to prevent accidents achieve quick results and can generate huge savings for the NHS It wants extra support and information for people at key moments in their lives - including teenagers, parents and carers of young children, and people over 65.
And RoSPA says that in England alone £1bn each year should be set aside to achieve this. The charity estimates that currently less than £1m is spent annually on these schemes.
In a statement, the Department of Health insisted that accident prevention was a key part of its approach to public health.
9/11/12
An operation which saw officers checking goods vehicles and speaking to drivers about road safety during the winter was held yesterday (Wednesday, 8th November).
Between 9am and 3pm, officers along with partners from the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) targeted commercial vehicles and checked them for compliance with legislation on the A55 at Ewloe under the remit of Operation Mermaid.
24 hour prohibitions were given for various offences, including drivers’ hours offences. Fixed penalty notices were also given for number plate offences, defective tyres and for having no valid MOT certificate. Cautions were also given for excess speed and for having no water in windscreen washers.
Sergeant Tony Gatley from the North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit said: “We carry out operations such as this throughout the year in conjunction with our partners to ensure that commercial vehicle users are using the roads safely for the benefit of all of us.
“Throughout the day we focused on road safety offences, taking into account the change in hours of darkness and deteriorating weather and driving conditions, so we focussed on checking lights, tyres and windscreen washers and wipers.”
“We will continue to carry out these operations and conduct pre-winter checks in line with our objective of ensuring that vehicles are safe on the roads of North Wales.”
Is your vehicle winter ready?
Regularly servicing, and checking your vehicle is in good running order before setting out will reduce your chances of breaking down on the road. It's worth making these checks regularly - and particularly before a long winter journey:
- Is the battery fully charged? Replace it if it's not completely reliable.
- Are your lights clean and all working. Carry spare bulbs.
- Change your windscreen wiper blades if they are worn
- Check your fluid levels, screen wash, engine oil, anti-freeze in radiator
Use a higher concentration of screen wash to prevent freezing
- Check all windows are clean
- Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated and replace them before the tread has reached the legal minimum. Check your tyre pressures (refer to the owners handbook) & tread depth (min 1.6mm)
- Consider booking your car into a reputable garage for a winter service for extra peace of mind.
Further advice regarding driving in winter conditions is available on the North Wales Police website www.north-wales.police.uk.
26/10/12
This weekend sees the official end of British Summertime with the clocks going back at 2:00am on Sunday 28th October. With the onset of winter, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service Road Safety Team are urging motorists to take extra care on the roads.
Winter driving can be very different to other times of the year, with drivers having to endure freezing temperatures and hazardous weather conditions. A common difficulty often experienced at this time of year is an increase in the suns glare. During winter, the sun sits lower in the sky and when driving on a clear and sunny day, the low winter sun can shine directly into a driver's eyes and inhibit their vision. This has the effect of reducing their ability to anticipate the road ahead.
Road Traffic Collision Reduction Officer, Kenny McDonald said “Drivers can easily get caught out on the roads at this time of year, so remember to allow a little more time for your journey and follow these simple steps to ensure you arrive at your destination safely:”
- Keep your windscreen clean, both inside and out
- Where visibility is inhibited, reduce your speed to give you more time to respond to hazards
- Be particularly aware of pedestrians and cyclists as they are more difficult to see
- Be more aware of tailing vehicles; they may also be affected by the suns glare
- Wear sunglasses and/or use your visor to cut out as much glare as possible
- Avoid looking directly into the sun.
Please remember to always drive within the speed limits and at a speed appropriate for the road conditions. More advice on winter road safety is available on the MAWWFRS website
26/10/12
Lighter nights all year round could help to arrest the rising number of road deaths, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
As the clocks go back this Sunday - marking the end of British Summer Time - RoSPA is highlighting how an extra hour of evening daylight across the UK could help to significantly cut road deaths, which rose last year by three per cent to 1,901 - the first such increase since 2003.
Department for Transport research shows that about 80 deaths and at least 200 serious injuries would be prevented on our roads each year if the UK switched to Single/Double Summer Time (SDST: GMT+1 in winter / GMT+2 in summer).
RoSPA has helped lead the crusade for lighter evenings for decades, andrecently backed Rebecca Harris MP’s Daylight Savings Bill, which was defeated at the final stage in January. It was the closest the campaign had come to instigating a review of the evidence - and a trial - since the last clock change experiment concluded successfully in 1971
Now, with road deaths rising again, RoSPA is urging politicians of all persuasions to get back behind the campaign. As well as saving lives on UK roads, lighter evenings would also cut carbon emissions, boost tourism, create jobs and encourage more sport and exercise in the evening.
22/10/2012
Llandudno’s McDonald’s today launched the ‘Deadly Mates’ 2012 campaign to help reduce the high number of young adults killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions in Wales.
With 20 young people aged between 17 to 24 killed in road traffic collisions in Wales in the last year alone, each of the 62 McDonald’s restaurants in Wales have pledged to help raise awareness of the dangers of reckless driving amongst the thousands of young adults they serve every day.
Representatives from the GoSafe Partnership and a team of road safety experts from North Wales Police and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service were on hand at the event, as well as emergency service vehicles to kick off the pan-Wales safety campaign.
Local McDonald’s franchisee, Phil Lowndes, commented: “Since its launch the Deadly Mates campaign has had a real impact and it resonates well with young drivers. We are proud to offer the support of all McDonald’s 62 restaurants in Wales as we serve many young drivers and passengers at our drive thru and want to encourage more responsibility to help to keep them safe.
“We’ll be displaying posters and leaflets providing clear and informative messaging through our restaurants, to help young people make the right choice, speak up and take more care when on the road.”
“We have been encouraged by the feedback we have received from young people at the launch today in Llandudno, with many seeking advice from the experts that were on hand to answer any questions or concerns.”
Renowned Welsh Rally driver, Elfyn Evans was also there to back the campaign and share his experience following his 12 month road ban for speeding. Paralympic cyclist, Mark Colbourne, also showed his support as a father of a young driver and on behalf of his Paralympic team mates who have been seriously injured in road collisions.
McDonald’s has been working in partnership with GoSafe, who fund and manage the Deadly Mates campaign, following a successful pilot launch in 2008 in Bangor and Caernarfon. In 2012, the campaign extended to include all 62 McDonald’s restaurants in Wales.
Jim Moore, Partnership Manager, GoSafe said: “It is a very distressing fact that too many young people are being killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions in Wales. Regrettably this is sometimes caused by the improper driving of another young person, and often involving friends. The Deadly Mates campaign looks to encourage young people to challenge the inappropriate driving of their peers. It highlights the devastating consequences to the family, friends and communities of both the driver and their passengers where a collision has occurred resulting in a death or serious injury.
“We’re very pleased that McDonald’s has again chosen to support this campaign and link up with us to promote it. Hopefully together we can reduce the number of young people driving unacceptably and thereby save lives.”
DVLA Spokesperson Victoria Ford said: “We are happy to support the Deadly Mates campaign. Improving the safety and ability of young drivers is a key priority for the Government. Good driving involves more than just operating a vehicle – drivers need to be able to plan each journey, assess risk, anticipate hazards and maintain their knowledge, skills and understanding if they are to be safe and responsible drivers for life.”
Superintendent Gary Ashton from North Wales Police said: “The overall reductions in road casualties, since UK targets were set in 2000, have not been reflected amongst young drivers. With ‘Deadly Mates’ having the support of a global brand such as McDonald’s, it helps road safety partners to raise awareness across Wales of the unnecessary and avoidable deaths of young people on our roads each year. Deadly Mates aims to use peer pressure positively as there is academic evidence that the risk of fatal collision rises exponentially with each passenger carried by a young driver.”
Further information regarding the Deadly Mates campaign can be found on their website.
The photograph shows (from left to right): Superintendent Gary Ashton (North Wales Police), Jim Moore (GoSafe), Elfyn Evans (Welsh Rally Driver), Paralympic cyclist Mark Colbourne and Phil Lowndes (McDonald's).
18/10/12
Horrific images of traffic accidents and video interviews with the survivors were used to drive home key messages in a road safety awareness event held at Airbus this week.
North Wales police officers, paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service and members of the North Wales Fire and Rescue service united to tell 160 Airbus apprentices about the consequences of speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
The stark reality of what it is like to be involved in a serious road accident was brought home to the apprentices when they watched emergency services personnel in action at a mock crash scene in which three apprentices acted as casualties, one of whom was pronounced "dead" at the scene and placed in a body bag.
Front seat passenger Fleur O'Hagan, a second year apprentice, was given life-saving treatment by paramedics for "serious injuries" and extricated from the wreckage, which involved cutting the roof off the car. She said, "It was a really scary experience - I never want to be in that position for real."
Ryan Taylor, a third-year apprentice, said: "We have seen some pretty graphic stuff here today. It makes you more aware of the consequences and makes you think twice about your driving behaviour. It's especially good for the younger apprentices who have just passed their test, but it will make me think about distances, mobile phones and seatbelt use, especially in taxis where people don't always use them. It's really great that Airbus takes the time to put on these kinds of events."
Two first year apprentices, who are currently learning to drive, said that the event was really powerful, with one adding: "There is a lot of useful information here. It will certainly make me think twice before getting into cars with my mates - some of them use mobiles while driving."
The Deadly Impact event was aimed at 17 - 25 year olds, who are most at risk of being involved in a crash. Statistics show that most drivers are male and most fatal casualties involve female passengers.
Apprentice training advisor Darren Collins, who arranged the event, said: ""We are delighted that the emergency services have come together to educate our apprentices, who are the most vulnerable on the roads. The more we can do to educate our young drivers the better and, hopefully, our apprentices will cascade what they have learnt to their friends. This dramatic way of reminding everyone to use a seatbelt, whether they are a driver or passenger, to keep to the speed limit and not to drink and drive, dove-tails with our Bike Safe, Drive Safe and Pass Plus campaigns.
"I've worked for Airbus for nine years and in that time have seen some of our apprentices unfortunately involved in accidents. As an employer, we have a duty of care to young people to help them get to work safely. Over the past 12 months we have presented this initiative to over 300 apprentices."
Acting Sergeant Mark Jones from North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit also attended. He said: "Multi-agency road safety events have proved to be an excellent way of getting people to think about the consequences of their driving, and by working in partnership, we want to get across to young drivers messages such as the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt, driving too fast and using mobile phones.
"Today we had the opportunity to engage with young people, many of whom are only just passing their driving tests to further educate them on road safety matters."
He added: "The practical demonstrations of realistic events, coupled with presentations from all partners has hopefully brought home some of the realities and we hope that many of the young people have taken this on board."
Welsh Ambulance Service Paramedic Dermot O' Leary said: "I wholeheartedly endorse the efforts of all agencies that have been here today. Any opportunity in communicating with young people such as this is a plus."
Gareth Griffiths, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service added: "As a Fire and Rescue Service we attend a high number of road traffic collisions involving young people - and we are doing all that we can to educate our youngsters and drive down the number of tragedies on our roads.
"We are using every opportunity to engage with youngsters and educate them about road safety. By using visual displays as well as presentations we are hoping that they leave the events having learnt something that they will remember and use whilst driving."
In addition, PC Mike Riley who is based at Airbus arranged for the organisation Wagtail UK to give a demonstration with one of their drugs dogs. Wagtail UK works with private organisations, the police, border agencies and customs. They train dogs to detect drugs as well as cash, explosives, tobacco, live and dead bodies.
18/10/12
Pupils at Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili have been celebrating International Walk to School Month this October by wrapping up warm and jumping aboard the walking bus.The school, in Caerphilly, has been encouraging pupils to walk to school for almost a decade, making their walking bus the oldest to operate in the county borough.
There are currently 15 primary schools, across the county borough, which provide a walking bus service for pupils, in which children are picked up from designated “bus stops” and accompanied to school by trained volunteers, teachers, parents and, best of all, their friends!
Mr Lynn Griffiths, Head teacher at Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili, said, “We got involved with this project as it tied in with our work on sustainability; the school is now going for a platinum award after winning three Green Flags. It also allowed us to encourage our pupils to live healthier lives from an early age and take responsibility for their lifestyles. Safety is always a priority with young children, and the walking bus encourages the older children to take care of the younger children.”
The walking buses which operate throughout the county borough are incredibly popular with children and parents, allowing the children time to socialise with their friends and allowing more time to parents in the mornings.They also successfully reduce congestion at school gates, and are doing their bit to promote healthier lifestyles and decrease environmentally damaging car fumes.
Cllr Tom Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transportation and Engineering, praised the walking bus at Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili. He said, “I commend this school and the efforts of the teachers, parents and pupils for their commitment at continuing their walking bus initiative for so many years. Traffic has been successfully reduced in the surrounding area due largely to the scheme, improving road safety and decreasing congestion.”
As part of the Welsh Government and Council funded 21st Century Schools programme, Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili will relocate to the former St. Ilan’s site, with construction works already beginning. Despite this move Mr Griffiths is confident that a new and safe Walk to School route can be established and that the oldest walking bus in Caerphilly will continue to thrive.
Cllr Rhianon Passmore, Cabinet Member responsible for Education and Lifelong Learning, commented, “I am so proud of the schools that are involved with the walking bus concept. They are each making a huge difference to the health of pupils through physical activity, and are successfully teaching the children about protecting the environment around them.”
For further information on Walking Buses or School Travel Plans, contact Susan Davies, School Travel Plans Co-ordinator on 01495 235 402 or go to Road Safety web pages.
16/10/12
Motorcyclists in Powys are being urged to attend a course that will give them the knowledge of what to do should they come across a motorcycle collision.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Powys County Council’s Road Safety Unit have joined forces to offer a new course called Biker Down, a three hour session covering:
- collision scene management
- first aid awareness
- conspicuity myth-busting.
Once candidates complete the course, they will receive their own compact first aid kit (designed to be carried on a motorcycle) and, more importantly, the knowledge to deal with a motorcycle collision should they be first on scene.
Cllr Barry Thomas, Cabinet Member for Road Safety, said: “Motorcyclists are one of our most vulnerable road users in Powys and we want to reduce the number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured on our roads.
“The course will give bikers of all ages and abilities the chance to learn what to do should they find themselves first on the scene of a motorcycle crash. The knowledge that participants gain could potentially make the difference between a serious collision and a fatal collision.”
The course is completely free with initial courses scheduled for Wednesday 24 October and Wednesday 21 November at Newtown Fire Station, from 6.30-9.30pm. Spaces are limited and must be reserved in advance.
For more information or to book call 01597 826979 or follow Biker Down Powys on Facebook.
16/10/12
A competition has been launched to reward the pupils who have been walking to school.
As part of International Walk to School month, Neath Port Talbot Council's Road Safety Team are once again running a competition to find the largest percentage of pupils walking to school.
Every day the numbers of children walking are recorded and converted to a percentage in comparison to the numbers of children on roll, with the winning and runner up schools receiving trophies for their school.
Scores of pupils from twenty schools in the county borough have been walking with Henson the Hedgehog and the Road Safety Team in the hope of scooping the coveted trophy.
The Walk to School Campaign encourages pupils to not only think about health and fitness but also to remind everyone that parked vehicles around schools can cause a major danger to vulnerable road users.
Neath Port Talbot Leader councillor Ali Thomas said the Road Safety Team are continuously encouraging pupils and parents to consider how they travel to school.
He said: "We are all extremely proud of every school that participated in the walks. All schools make a huge effort with all events that the Road Safety Team hold and great fun is had by all involved. As well as pupils learning valuable road safety skills along the way, the event generated a great community spirit and made the school a far safer and cleaner place with far fewer cars in the vicintiy."
10/10/12
A HARD-HITTING drama based on real life events and aimed at stopping sixth form students from drink-driving this Christmas is being performed at schools and college campuses across Carmarthenshire.
The county council's road safety team said it wants to highlight the dangers to drivers who have recently passed or are preparing to take their tests.
The play — Too Much Punch For Judy — is a documentary-drama that tells the harrowing true life story of a young woman who kills her sister in an alcohol-related road accident.
It will be shown to sixth formers at Bro Myrddin and Queen Elizabeth High in Carmarthen as well as at Maes yr Yrfa, Amman Valley and Newcastle Emlyn schools and at Coleg Sir Gar's Graig and Pibwrlwyd campuses.
The drama is coupled with a discussion-based workshop which forces the audience to consider the effects of alcohol and drink- driving.
County council roads safety officer Keith Griffiths said pupils were taught about the dangers of drink-driving as part of the council's Young Driver Programme.
They are told how alcohol affects their body functions, the safe and legal limits, what happens if they are caught drink-driving, the extended repercussions of a conviction and contingencies for keeping safe as a passenger when someone in the car is under the influence of alcohol.
Mr Griffiths said the play enhanced the work his team had already done. He said no matter how many times he saw the drama it made the hair stand up on the back of his neck. "It hammers home the message of the dangers and consequences of drink-driving in a really positive way," he added.
The APE Theatre Company is behind the production written by Mark Wheeller. It explores the problems surrounding the death of Joanna when her sister was at the wheel in a drink-drive incident. The play looks at the sisters' relationship with each other and their mother.
It then concentrates on the actual crash and immediate aftermath, mainly through the eyes of the first witness at the scene. PC Chris Caten, in real life a good friend of the family, then has to break the news of Joanna's death to her mother and Judy in turn, before the mother and daughter are left to deal with their loss.
Mr Griffiths said: "The power of Too Much Punch For Judy lies in its truth — it hits the audience hard because not only is what happened real, but the words, taken from interviews of those involved, are real as well."
8/10/12
The four Welsh Police Forces, led by Gwent Police in partnership with Road Safety Wales, is launching the All-Wales Anti-Mobile Phone Driving Campaign.
Despite the law change in February 2007 where mobile phone driving results in three penalty points and a £60 fine, some drivers in Wales are still persisting with this dangerous activity and breaking the law.
Police patrols to target mobile phone driving will increase across Welsh roads or the duration of the enforcement campaign, which runs from 8th October to 21st October, to promote the safety message and raise awareness of the dangers and penalties among motorists.
Inspector Lee Ford, of Gwent Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: "The consequences of a momentary lapse in concentration when driving can be devastating to road users and pedestrians.
As soon as a driver answers a call, looks at their phone to text or read a message, their concentration is affected and as a result, they cannot give their full attention to the road and risk becoming involved in a
collision.
"With the greater use of smart phones, drivers need to be aware that it is not just making a call or texting that are distractions, but using a phone to access applications, e-mails or the internet. These actions carry the same danger, hence, the same penalty.
"Remember to switch off before you drive and pick up any missed calls or texts when it is safe and convenient to do so. If you need to use the phone when driving, then stop at the first safe opportunity.”
Chair of Road Safety Wales, Sue Storch, added: “Road Safety Wales partners will support our police colleagues throughout this campaign by publicising the dangers of using a mobile device while driving.
“We will continue to raise awareness of this issue and work closely with our colleagues in futurecampaigns.”
Head of Road Safety for South Wales Fire and Rescue, Phil Pinches, said: “We fully support this focus on reducing instances of mobile phone use by drivers as evidence suggests that a significant number of collisions are caused by people being distracted by mobile phones.
“We must endeavour to make mobile phone use while driving as socially unacceptable as not wearing seatbelts.”
Kate Kerr, Road Safety Officer for Torfaen County Borough Council said: “Unfortunately many people still consider it normal to use their mobile phone whilst driving, putting themselves, their passengers andother innocent road users in potentially serious danger.
“We need to send a strong message not to use any mobile phones whilst driving because of the distraction they cause.”
5/10/12
The Gwynedd-Môn Road Safety Partnership’s campaign to make the region’s roads safer has been boosted by the use of a motorcycle.
The partnership brings together the expertise of Gwynedd Council and the Isle of Anglesey County Council as well as the emergency services. Its aim is to promote a better understanding of road safety and to lower casualty and death rates among drivers and motorbike riders.
The Gwynedd-Môn Road Safety Partnership works closely with motorcycle groups to promote safety initiatives; for example by holding BikeSafe workshops and by speaking to motorcyclists to remind them of simple safety measures they can take. A motorbike has been loaned to the partnership by the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and will be used during these events and to engage with the motorcycling community.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for highways and transport, said: “The partnership carries out vital work by reminding all motorists to be bike-wise on our roads. Too many lives are affected by road traffic accidents and motorcyclists are especially at risk. I am delighted to see Gwynedd Council working with its partners to make our communities safer places and am confident that this motorcycle, kindly lent by the fire service, will be put to good use.”
Terry Williams, Community Safety Manager, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "Motorcyclists are amongst the highest risk as road users and we continue to witness some dreadful examples of lives being cut tragically short because of inexperience and risk taking. The motorcycle will be put to good use and is seen as an ideal resource in terms of engaging with the motorcycle groups and other vulnerable road users."
Dermot O’Leary from the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, chairman of the Gwynedd-Mon Road Safety Partnership said: "The Partnership recognises that there needs to be a consistency of approach to road safety intervention in collaboration with key stake holders who share the same goals in reducing road casualties and maximise resources in our endeavours to reduce road casualties. As Chair of the Group I wish to thank the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service for their contribution. The motorcycle carries the Partnership logo and is seen as an invaluable asset, which will be used to promote road safety in our communities and encourage motorcyclists to attend local BikeSafe workshops."
Paul Cheshire, North Wales Police BikeSafe Co-ordinator said that the partnerships involved with ensuring positive motorcycle road safety was affective in north Wales should be complimented. The Fire Service, who are always supportive of the initiative, were right to identify Gwynedd County Council as a recipient of the motorcycle to continue its purpose to promote road safety. Colin Jones of GCC has a proven record in this respect and would make good use of the vehicle to complement our common aims.'
04/10/12
Following a consultation with road safety professionals, RoSPA and Road Safety GB are to co-host a “drop in” session on the subject of evaluation.
The session will be held on the Road Safety GB website on Tuesday 16 October, 11.30am – 12.30pm and will cover 'aims and objectives' and 'survey question writing'.
There is no need to pre-register for the seminar - simply log onto the Road Safety GB website and the session will be at the top of the page. Participants will be able to ask questions and seek advice about evaluation in practice. Questions will be submitted via the website, published in real time and answered live by Lindsey Simkins, RoSPA’s research and evaluation officer.
Lindsey Simpkins said: “While we all recognise the important role that evaluation has to play in determining the effectiveness of an intervention or initiative, we also acknowledge the challenges road safety practitioners face in carrying it out. This ‘drop–in’ session is designed to provide practical support and assistance with this important issue."
If the first session is a success, others will be organised in the future.
For more information about the 'drop in' sessions please contact Lindsey Simkins on 0121 248 2149.
27/9/12
The number of people killed on the roads in Great Britain rose last year for the first time since 2003.
There were 1901 people killed in British road accidents reported to the police - a 3per cent increase on 2010.
The number of deaths and serious injuries last year reached 25,023 - 2per cent up on 2010 and the first increase in those killed or seriously injured (KSI) since 1994.Safety groups and motoring organisation expressed disappointment at the figures.
The total number of casualties (slight injuries, serious injuries and deaths) was down, dipping 2per cent to 203,950 last year.
Total reported child casualties (ages 0-15) continued to fall last year, going down 0.5per cent to 19,474. The number of child KSIs fell 4per cent to 2,412.
The number of car occupant deaths last year rose 6per cent to 883. Total casualties (deaths, serious injuries and slight injuries) among car users reached 124,924 - 7per cent fewer than in 2010.
Car and taxi traffic increased slightly - by 0.2per cent - between 2010 and 2011.
There were 453 pedestrian deaths last year - 12per cent more than in 2010. Seriously injured pedestrian casualties also increased - by 5per cent to 5,454.
The number of pedal cyclists killed fell from 111 in 2010 to 107 in 2011. Pedal cyclist serious injuries were up 16per cent and total pedal cycle casualties rose 12per cent.
There were 362 motorcycle users killed in 2011 - a 10per cent decrease compared with 2010. But serious injuries were up 10per cent and total casualties among motorcyclists rose 8per cent.
The Department for Transport document outlining the casualty statistcs today said: "Adverse weather (heavy snowfalls) experienced in the first and last quarters of 2010 but not in 2011 are likely to be a factor in the increase in serious road casualties and fatalities recorded in 2011."
But Transport Secretary Justine Greening, speaking in the House of Commons, said today: "We had some exceptional weather in that period and that was one of the reasons why there was such a change (in the casualty figures)."
She said the Government was committed to improving road safety, adding: "As far as I am concerned, one accident is too many. We are obviously concerned to make sure we improve our road safety record."
Shadow transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick urged her to bring back targets, which were abolished under the last transport secretary, Tory Philip Hammond.
Mr Fitzpatrick said: "Road casualty reduction targets commanded cross-party support for nearly three decades and played a big part in sending a strong message from Government about how committed it was to reducing deaths and serious injuries on the road.
Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: "After a long period of deaths falling year on year, we are very disturbed that they have risen, particularly among children and pedestrians.
"We are concerned that this may be the end of the downwards trend in people being killed on our roads because this is the first time that annual road deaths have risen since 2003 and follows three years where deaths reduced by several hundred per year.
"We are also concerned that reduced public spending on road safety, especially cuts to local authority and road policing budgets, may be partly to blame.
"The Government and the road safety profession need to urgently get together to understand why road deaths have now started to rise.
"It is crucial that the Government demonstrates strong leadership by examining what more it can do to help local authorities, the police and other bodies involved in road safety to refocus and reinvigorate their services.
"However, national leadership of this area is crucial because the experience of the last three decades shows how effective a strong, comprehensive national road safety strategy can be in saving lives and reducing injuries."
24/09/12
The Welsh Government is to consult on its “vision zero” Road Safety Delivery Plan which was launched last week (20 September) and includes ambitious targets to reduce casualties.
The consultation, which sets out the Welsh Government’s approach to road safety until 2020, includes ambitious targets for motorcyclists and young drivers and an aspirational goal of no road fatalities in the future. It also includes a commitment to press the UK Government to reduce the drink drive limit to bring Wales closer in line with the rest of Europe.
In 2011 motorcyclists accounted for 1% of road traffic in Wales but 39% of those killed and seriously injured (KSI), while young people made up 11% of driving licence holders but 23% of casualties.
The Road Safety Delivery Plan includes the following specific targets:
- A 40% reduction in total KSIs on Welsh roads by 2020 (562 fewer KSIs);
- A 25% reduction in motorcyclist KSIs by 2020 (64 fewer KSIs);
- A 40% reduction in young people KSIs (16-24 years) by 2020 (139 fewer KSIs).
Carl Sargeant, the minister with responsibility for transport, said: “This plan is not for the short-term – it sets out our approach until 2020. It may be considered unrealistic to envisage zero fatalities, but it should be a Government aspiration to tackle avoidable deaths such as road traffic collisions and do all that we can to avert them.
“We view this ambitious ‘vision zero’ approach as an acknowledgement of our commitment and want all key partners to share in and work towards making it a reality.”
The consultation will end on 13 December 2012 and the final plan is anticipated to be published in early 2013.
Click here to read the full Government news release; click here to access the full consultation document; or for more information contact James Burgess, Local Government and Communities, on 02920 801064.
24/09/2012
Brynmawr Primary School Children are reminding parents to park safely and legally this term after an increase in reports of illegal parking around schools in the area.
St Mary’s Church in Wales School, Blaenycwm Primary School and St Mary’s Roman Catholic School have all taken part in the campaign to try and highlight to parents the parking issues around the schools. The campaign also aims to help highlight road safety when using and crossing the roads.
With the help of the Brynmawr Neighbourhood Policing Team and local councillor, John Hopkins, pupils from the three schools have designed t-shirts and banners to help with their campaign. The banners will now be displayed outside the schools to ensure the message is made clear to the parents when dropping off and picking up their children.
Community Support Officer for Brynmawr, CSO Linzi Nicholls said: “The idea to develop this campaign across the three schools stemmed from the public informing us of the increasing problems during our PACT (Partnerships and Communities Together) meetings. These issues have now become a priority for the Brynmawr Neighbourhood Policing Team and work will now be concentrated on the areas to tackle the problem.”
CSO Nicholls explains: “When there is an officer present, parents are more reluctant to park illegally so the idea of the banners is to ensure parents park correctly whether there is an officer present or not. Officers are now regularly visiting the schools during peak times – I want to remind parents that if they are caught parking illegally, then you will be fined. The fixed penalty tickets range from £30-£60 and if you are found to be parked on the zig-zag lines, 3 points can also be issued on your license as well as a fixed penalty ticket.”
St Mary’s Church in Wales Primary School Head teacher, Mr Forbes said: “‘The safeguarding of children is a priority for all schools and that is why we ask all roar users who park near school entrances to park with great caution for the well-being of all our children.’
Main issues for the schools
St Mary’s Church in Wales School - Illegal parking on zigzag and yellow lines outside the school
Blaenycwm Primary School - Illegal parking on zigzag and yellow lines outside the school
St Mary’s Roman Catholic School - Parents and children not using the crossing correctly
24/9/12
Residents in Powys who use a child car seat have the opportunity next month, to have them checked out by the county council for free, to ensure that they are fitted correctly. Powys County Council’s Road Safety Unit has arranged five car seat check days across the county. The checks, which start on Monday 1 October, will take place in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells, Newtown, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais.
During the past year, the Road Safety Unit has checked 329 car seats in Powys and discovered that 69 per cent were incorrectly fitted. The vast majority of faults found included wrong seatbelt routing, twisted belts or loose seats which may contribute to serious injures in the event of a vehicle crash. These faults are easily rectified by our trained officers.
Cllr Barry Thomas, Cabinet Member responsible for Road Safety, said: "I encourage anyone who uses a child car seat to make use of check days. These checks will not cost you anything and could ultimately save your child’s life.
“Please come to see us for a car seat check, child seat laws and fitting advice. Anything we can do to increase your child’s safety could make a big difference in the event of a collision.”
Sarah Morris, the council’s Senior Road Safety Officer, said: "Every year around 100,000 children in the UK are involved in collisions and the fitting of their car seat can have a serious impact on whether or not they are injured.
"We check the car seat to see if it is suitable for your child and if it is compatible with your vehicle. If the seat or the harness needs to be adjusted, our officers are trained to show parents or carers how to fit the seat correctly."
The free checks, which only take a few minutes to complete, will be taking place between 9am-3pm at the following locations:
For further information, telephone the Road Safety Unit on 0845 6027030, or just turn up and speak to a member of the unit on the day.
21/9/12
Senior drivers in Powys are being invited to a new workshop to learn about safer driving. The workshop has been developed by Powys County Council’s Road Safety Unit, which constantly works towards achieving national and local targets for reducing collisions and casualties on Powys’ roads through education, training and publicity for all road users.
The new workshop will be approximately two hours long and will focus on issues such as driving licence requirements, personal safety while driving, winter driving, the dangers of drink driving and not wearing seatbelts.
Workshop attendees will then have the chance to take part in a free, one-hour practical drive with an approved driving instructor at a later date. The confidential and practical assessment helps those taking part to develop their skills and identify any areas of weakness or lack of confidence that may have developed over the years.
Cllr Barry Thomas, Cabinet Member responsible for Road Safety, said: “We hope that this new programme will help preserve valuable driving skills and make drivers more aware of what influences our driving, ultimately leading to a reduction in collisions and casualties in this vulnerable driving group.”
The workshop and practical drive are both completely free to Powys residents over the age of 55. For more information or to book onto the workshop, please contact your Area Road Safety Officer on 01874 612335 (Brecon and Radnorshire) or 07909 895346 (Montgomeryshire).
20/9/12
The Minister with responsibility for Transport, Carl Sargeant, has proposed new targets for casualty reduction as part of a “vision zero” Road Safety Delivery Plan consultation. The consultation, that will set out the Welsh Government’s approach to road safety until 2020, will include specific targets for motorcyclists and young people – the two most vulnerable road users groups.
In 2011 motorcyclists accounted for 1% of road traffic in Wales but 39% of those killed and seriously injured, whilst young people made up 11% of driving licence holders but 23% of casualties.
The ambitious Plan will also include:
The Minister said:
“ Any death on our roads is avoidable and unacceptable which is why the Welsh Government is committed to reducing casualties and we will do all we can to achieve this. “
“ There has been a great deal of progress in road safety in recent years, with the number of people killed and seriously injured falling considerably in Wales.
“ We can all take pride in the fact that Welsh roads are amongst the safest in the world. However, we must avoid complacency and recognise that there is significant scope for further improvements
“ This Plan is not for the short-term – it sets out our approach until 2020. “ In today’s society it may be considered unrealistic to envisage zero fatalities, but it should be a government aspiration to tackle avoidable deaths such as road traffic collisions and do all that we can to avert them.
“ We view this ambitious “vision zero” approach as an acknowledgement of our commitment and want all key partners to share in and work towards making it a reality.”
The “vision zero” approach represents a bold approach by the Welsh Government towards road safety that was originally introduced by Sweden. The consultation also includes a commitment to press the UK Government to reduce the drink-drive limit which would bring Wales closer into line with the rest of Europe.
The Welsh Government Programme for Government includes a commitment to “target high-risk road users (motorcyclists, young drivers and vulnerable road users) through a combination of measures including education, engineering and enforcement.
The consultation will end on 13 December 2012 and the final Plan is anticipated to be published in early 2013.
Draft Road Safety Delivery Plan - Consultation Document
13/09/12
A new school time activated flashing lights pedestrian crossing outside Pentip School, Pembrey Road, Llanelli, is the first of its kind in Wales.
The sign has flashing lights and warning signs urging drivers to cut their speed outside the school to 20mph since the new school term started on Tuesday, September 4th.
With more than 12,000 traffic movements daily the A484 road is one of the busiest roads of its classification anywhere in the country.
The Community Safety Partnership and Road Safety Action Group identified the crossing as the best means of slowing traffic down outside the school after lobbying from school governors and local members.
County executive board member for transport services Cllr Colin Evans said: ”This innovative solution to local concerns shows how hard we work with partners to force through resolutions for community concerns.
“The new signage will be an in your face warning to approaching motorists of the school where there will also be a school’s crossing patrol officer.
“The signs will flash 20mph warnings on the tidal system of times in to school from 8 to 9.30am and out of school 2.30 to 4pm.
“When there is no to-ing and fro-ing to the school traffic flows will be unrestricted by reverting to 30mph.
County parking and traffic manager John McEvoy said “A raised platform or speed bumps were rejected because of the volume of traffic and congestion on the main route from the west into Llanelli out of school hours.
A bid was made to the Welsh Assembly by Carmarthenshire Council transport chiefs to incorporate the new safety measures. The county council has received funding from the Welsh Government for additional road safety engineering measurers to be provided from Sandy Road to Pwll in 2012-13.
12/09/12
Young drivers in North Wales are being targeted by a new North Wales Police campaign.
Under the strap line of ‘Don’t gamble with your life’, the force-wide ‘Operation Sodium’ campaign aims to tackle drink and drug driving amongst young people aged between 17 and 25-years-old.
The campaign has been launched in response to the growing number of young people who are being fatally injured on the roads of north Wales, and especially rural roads.
Chief Inspector Darren Wareing from North Wales Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “Young driver ‘blameworthy’ collisions are when the driver of the vehicle is aged 16 to 25 years and has either contributed to, or caused the collision.
“The number of collisions involving young drivers is disproportionate to the percentage of road users – fatal young driver ‘blameworthy’ collisions have experienced an increase of 50% and serious injury young driver ‘blameworthy’ collisions have experienced an increase of 5.8% - and these figures are worrying.
“People tell me that drink and drug driving is seen as socially unacceptable in our communities. I don’t think it is seen that way by everyone as we are seeing far too many people gambling with their lives and all too often the gamble is lost.”
“Younger drivers tend to take more risks and this is a cause for great concern. This particular campaign is aimed at reducing the number of young drink-drivers and those who drive whilst under the influence of drugs, who are putting their lives, and the lives of other road users, at risk on our roads.
He added: “There is a perception out there that drivers in rural areas believe they have less chance of getting caught drunk behind the wheel which we are going to change. People should be aware that we will be patrolling rural roads, including public houses’ car parks and stopping young drivers to talk to them.
“There is a clear message here that we will not tolerate drinking and drug driving on the roads of north Wales. The message I have is simple – think twice, make a decision not to drink and drive as you will get stopped by the police.”
Some of the emerging issues and factors in young driver fatalities include drink and drug driving, excessive speed, aggressive driving, failing to wear a seatbelt and having passengers on board, with alcohol emerging as a main causation factor.
The campaign will see officers from the Roads Policing Unit as well as Local Policing Services stepping up checks and stopping vehicles. Operations will be planned and areas targeted and both covert and overt tactics will be used.
Specially designed posters have been distributed across licensed premises throughout north Wales and leaflets will be handed out by the officers visiting those premises in rural areas.
North Wales Police has a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which are drink and drug driving, dangerous driving including unnecessary risk taking, speeding, failing to wear a seat belt and using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Chief Inspector Wareing added: “We are committed to assisting in reducing casualties on the road through the use of targeted operations around high risk groups of people and locations while enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences.“The risk of being seriously injured or killed rises dramatically if a decision is taken to commit a ‘Fatal 5’ offence and I want people to be aware of the devastating affect it can have and make a conscious decision not to take any chances.”
If you have information regarding drink driving or if know of anybody who regularly drives whilst over the legal drink drive limit, contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers Wales anonymously on 0800 555 111 – it could help save a life.
6/9/12
A fun event with a serious message, that was the aim of a Road Safety Awareness Day held at King Square, Barry this summer to help educate both young and old about the importance of safe motoring.
Visitors had the chance to play the role of a “speed cop”, test their knowledge of seatbelt safety and put their questions to experts on the subject of drink driving at the pop up bar.
The successful event was organised by Road Safety officers at the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the local Fire and Rescue Service. Members from both organisations were on hand to offer advice and top tips on how to stay safe while out and about on the road.
A police demonstration of a speed safety camera, with the chance to get hands on with the technology used by the traffic police to catch speeding motorists, proved a popular attraction at the event.
A “car crash” scenario provided a shocking reminder of the devastation speeding, drink and careless driving can cause, something Road Safety officers and the police hope the visitors will take home with them on their journey home from the event. A mock dummy bearing some of the more common injuries sustained by people involved in road traffic collisions, in both worst case and minor incidents, was just one of the elements featured in the realistic car crash scenario.
A sobering message about the perils of drink driving and advice on how to enjoy alcohol responsibility was offered to those propping up the temporary bar, while those under drinking age had a chance to get involved in an interactive Seatbelt Safety demonstration. The importance of always wearing a seatbelt was highlighted to the young visitors with the help of Belt Up Teddy who bravely put his safety on the line to demonstrate the impact a collision has when the passenger, in this case teddy, isn’t wearing a seatbelt.
Sian Akers, Road Safety Officer at the Vale of Glamorgan Council said, “It was good to see so many organisations working together in the name of road safety - hopefully we can all work together to produce another successful Road Safety Day in the near future.”
4/9/12
Candidates who take part in Pass Plus Cymru and who then return a questionnaire about the scheme are automatically entered into a quarterly prize draw, with a prize of £250.
The latest winner is Josh Stephens from Powys. Josh, who was presented with his cheque by Nicky Davies, Area Road Safety Officer for the South of Powys was extremely pleased with his win and said;
"During the Pass Plus Cymru experience learnt a lot of new driving techniques and it was a brilliant confidence booster. I would strongly recommend it to my friends and any other young drivers in the County."
So, when the questionnaire drops onto your doormat, don't throw it in the bin - fill it in. You could be our next winner, and assist us in making sure that Pass Plus Cymru remains a vibrant, relevant and enjoyable scheme for everyone who takes part.
21/0812
UK police have seized one million vehicles since 2005 when they were given powers to stop vehicles identified as being driven without insurance.
An average of 500 vehicles have been seized each day and of those an estimated 30% are crushed.
Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: "A million cars seized is great... news, yet there are still an estimated 1.2 million vehicles on Britain's roads, being driven without cover - that's around 1 out of every 25."
"The Motor Insurers' Bureau, which provides compensation to innocent victims involved in collisions with uninsured drivers and drivers who fail to stop, is doing great work with the police and community leaders to get through to persistent offenders. But we are still a long way from cleaning up Britain's roads," he added.
"In uninsured driver hot-spots such as parts of Birmingham, innocent motorist are eight times more likely than average to be hit by an uninsured vehicle."
West Midlands Police alone is seizing, on average, one uninsured vehicle per hour. Police identify them with automatic number plate recognition technology, which compares registration numbers against data provided by the Motor Insurance Database, which is operated by the MIB.
Douglas added: "Every year, uninsured drivers kill 160 and injure 23 000 innocent people. What's more, the cost of the work carried out by the MIB adds around £33 to every honestly-bought car insurance policy. It is not a victimless crime."
However, Douglas believes the penalties meted out by the courts to uninsured drivers are too lenient: "Honest young drivers may have to pay £3,000 or more for their first car insurance policy, a figure that has been pushed up by uninsured drivers, yet the average fine for driving without cover is only about £200. Many go on to re-offend.
"Most are young men often with a string of motoring and other offences behind them and may not have a driving license. Their cars are frequently poorly maintained, have no MoT or tax and are driven with little regard for traffic laws."
16/08/12
The Gwent Police safety campaign to encourage more children to wear helmets when riding their bicycles is growing in popularity and seems to have celebrity backing from none other than Olympic cycling gold medallist Bradley Wiggins.
Following the death of a 28 year old cyclist in London, which occurred within hours of Wiggins' time trial victory, the Tour de France winner said he believed cyclists would be offered better protection if it was illegal to ride without one, 'because ultimately, if you get knocked off and you ain't got a helmet on, then how can you argue.'
Asked about cycling safety, he said ' I think when there's laws passed for cyclists, then you're protected and you can say, well, I've done everything to be safe.'
The 'Kool Kids Wear Lids' campaign was launched in August 2011 and has the support of Welsh Cycling, the Monmouthshire Road Safety Forum and the Accident and Emergency Departments of the Aneurin Bevan Health Board.
Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Monmouthshire are awarding a high-visibility bike sticker to every child they see wearing a bike helmet. Children seen riding a bike without a helmet are stopped by officers and Community Support Officers and are given advice on the safety benefits of wearing a helmet. A follow up letter reinforcing this advice is then delivered to their parents.
Officers from Abergavenny Neighbourhood Team also recently visited the Monmouthshire County Council's School Olympics at King Henry School to talk about cycle safety and to promote the campaign.
All primary school children from the Abergavenny area went along over the three day event. The children got a chance to practice their bike riding skills and also hear about why it's so important to wear a cycle helmet with the help of an egg in a helmet!
They were also joined by members of Welsh Cycling who brought their 'Watt Bike Power Challenge', where the pupils had the opportunity to compare their power against the Olympic athletes!
Ian Jenkins, Director of Cycling Development at Welsh Cycling, said: 'I've seen many accidents which could have been serious if the cyclists involved had not been wearing helmets.
'Helmets are pretty cool, well-designed and desirable to wear - our stars like Geraint Thomas and Becky James always wear them. You can pick up a colourful and fashionable helmet for under £20 so there is no excuse not to have one.'
Inspector Geoff Smith, of Monmouthshire Local Policing Unit, said, 'The feedback we have received from the parents of children we have stopped is favourable.
'In the last few months, out of the 40 children not wearing cycle helmets who were stopped and spoken to, 25 of them have later been seen wearing helmets - that's a 62% increase!
'We want to help youngsters in the area think that bike helmets are not uncool - they are essential pieces of safety equipment that can save lives.'
Dr Ella Harrison-Hanley, Consultant in Adult and Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Nevill Hall Hospital, said, 'Here in our Emergency Department we promote the campaign as we see the injuries caused as a result of children not wearing helmets.
'We actively encourage all children and parents to wear helmets while riding bikes and scooters and want children to know that helmets could save your life. Having to spend 5 hours in our Emergency Department is no fun when you could be out playing!'
Carolyn Derosaire from Capita Symonds said, 'It's so encouraging to see all the Emergency Services and local schools supporting the "Kool Kids Wear Lids Campaign". I very much hope that this will now alert and encourage parents to ensure that their children wear a helmet when cycling whether on or off road.
'176 Primary School children, when asked recently, said they always wear their helmets. 109 said that they didn't, but in light of the facts about how helmets can save lives, are now intending to be a Kool Kid and wear a Lid.'
Paul Keeble Traffic& Network Manager Monmouthshire County Council said, 'This is an excellent joint initiative between Gwent Police, the Health Authority and Monmouthshire County Council; children love stickers and one with a simple and clear message.
'We are encouraging children to lead a more active lifestyle and cycling to school offers excellent benefits however whilst we seek to improve the routes to school, these stickers will help to reinforce the important benefits of wearing helmets and I am sure will help to reduce serious injuries.'
14/08/12
The Road Safety Marquee was once again a great success at this years Big Cheese, attracting over 1500 families to take part in activities highlighting important road safety issues.
Parents and children came along to buy helmets and talk about current initiatives, with children making a beeline for the photograph section highlighting road safety events that had taken place in their school.
Activities included badge making, spot the dangers poster competition and of course the Road Safety quiz, the winner of which received a new bike and helmet as their prize.
The winner, Mrs Susan Wright from Pontypridd, was chosen at random out of 400 correct entries!
Cllr Tom Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transportation and Engineering when presenting the bike and helmet said, "Congratulations! This prize will enable you to explore the fabulous off road cycling Caerphilly is renowned for."
Mrs Wright said, "I'm really thrilled to have won, I live so close to the Taff Trail and have just retired, cycling will be a great way to use my free time."
13/08/12
Visitors to the Anglesey Show will be able to visit the Ynys Mon Community Safety Partnership marquee this year where a number of partners have come together to offer advice and information on different topics from fire safety to crime prevention.
Organisations including, North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Welsh Ambulance Service, Anglesey Community Safety Team, Victim Support, Probation Wales, Anglesey Crime Prevention Panel, Youth Justice Service, Gorwel, Road Safety Team and the Substance Misuse Service will all join together to make is easier for the public to obtain information in one place.
Visitors can take part in a variety of activities such as a fire safety quiz, security marking and fingerprint key rings as well as taking away literature covering a variety of subjects. Farmers on Anglesey are encouraged to visit the stand to sign up to the Farm Watch scheme.
Tony Jones, Community Safety Manager, said: “This is the second time all these organisations have joined together in the same marquee. We had very positive feedback from the public after we did this last year are hoping that visitors will find it easy again this year by being able to visit all the organisations under one roof. We are easy to find right opposite the main ring so if you are in the show please come and see us and you could be in with a chance to win a £50 iTunes voucher.”
13/08/12
A team of pupils from Murch Junior School in Dinas Powys went head to head with other youngsters from the South Wales area to compete in the South Wales Road Safety Quiz Final 2012 held at the Police HQ in Bridgend this summer.
The knowledgeable foursome from Murch Junior School, made up of Jamie Locke-Jones, Katie Jackson, Kate Brown and Hannah Lewis, triumphed at the county final to be named Vale champions, winning the chance to go on and represent the Vale in the South Wales final.
The brainy bunch from Dinas Powys didn’t disappoint, answering eight rounds of questions covering a broad range of road safety topics including road signs, cycle safety, pedestrian awareness and observation and questions testing their knowledge of the Highway Code.
The scores were neck-and-neck throughout the eight quick-fire rounds of questions with the final results being announced to a hushed audience made up of the competing pupils, teachers, road safety officers and police.
The Vale team missed out on first place by the narrowest of margins - just one point - losing to Rhondda Cynon-Taff who were named the winners with 78 followed by the Vale team from Murch Junior School who racked up an impressive score of 77 points. Third place went to Bridgend, followed by Swansea in fourth place and fifth place went to the team from Neath-Port Talbot.
The team was congratulated by Mr Derek Thomas, Head Teacher of Murch Junior School and John Rogers, Road Safety Officer at the Vale Council and quiz organiser who paid tribute to the Murch team: ‘They did so well and were so unlucky to be pipped at the post by one point! Their performance and attitude was a credit to themselves, their teachers and their school - I for one was very proud of them.’
The second placed Murch team were presented with their Runner-Up trophies and enjoyed mixing with their counterparts in a specially laid on buffet, provided by the Fire Service, to thank all the teams for getting this far – no mean achievement in itself!
The Vale of Glamorgan Council Road Safety Team’s Annual Quiz for Primary Schools will be held again in Spring 2013.
13/08/12
Cardiff Cycle Network and transport infrastrcuture has been shortlisted at a number of national and Wales wide awards. Cardiff has been shortlisted alongside other UK cities in three categories at the National Transport Awards 2012.
Cardiff Council is Wales' first Sustainable Travel City and is working in partnership with the Welsh Government on this joint funded scheme. The Council has rolled out a number of innovative transport projects, which have been recognised at this year's National Transport Awards.
The three awards the city has has been shortlisted for are -
-
Transport City of the Year - recognising Cardiff's innovative transport policy, successfully delivering a complementary programme of transport improvements and achieving a shift to more sustainable modes of transport, such as the Pont Y Werin Bridge used by 28,000 pedestrians and 11,000 cyclists every month.
Alongside the National Transport Awards the city has also been short listed at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CLIT UK) annual awards. The Council's Strategic Network Cycle Plan has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Transport Policy, Planning and Implementation category. The Cardiff Cycle Plan has also been named as a finalist in the Wales Planning Awards. Both awards recognise the importance of the Cycle plan has made to the city.
Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Highways, Traffic and Transportation, Cllr Ralph Cook, said: "To be shortlisted for one award would be achievement enough, but to be recognised in three categories is a significant accomplishment which highlights the city's commitment to ensuring that people can travel by walking, cycling and public transport for more of their journeys."
"For the city to continue to develop as a young European capital, the right infrastructure has to be in place. Creating sustainable and practical transport is a key priority for this administration."
The results of the awards will be known in October
09/08/12
Young drivers in North Wales are being targeted by a new North Wales Police campaign.
Under the strap line of ‘Don’t gamble with your life’, the force-wide ‘Operation Sodium’ campaign aims to tackle drink and drug driving amongst young people aged between 17 and 25-years-old.
The campaign has been launched in response to the growing number of young people who are being fatally injured on the roads of north Wales, and especially rural roads.
Chief Inspector Darren Wareing from North Wales Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “Young driver ‘blameworthy’ collisions are when the driver of the vehicle is aged 16 to 25 years and has either contributed to, or caused the collision.
“The number of collisions involving young drivers is disproportionate to the percentage of road users – fatal young driver ‘blameworthy’ collisions have experienced an increase of 50% and serious injury young driver ‘blameworthy’ collisions have experienced an increase of 5.8% - and these figures are worrying.
“People tell me that drink and drug driving is seen as socially unacceptable in our communities. I don’t think it is seen that way by everyone as we are seeing far too many people gambling with their lives and all too often the gamble is lost.”
“Younger drivers tend to take more risks and this is a cause for great concern. This particular campaign is aimed at reducing the number of young drink-drivers and those who drive whilst under the influence of drugs, who are putting their lives, and the lives of other road users, at risk on our roads.
He added: “There is a perception out there that drivers in rural areas believe they have less chance of getting caught drunk behind the wheel which we are going to change. People should be aware that we will be patrolling rural roads, including public houses’ car parks and stopping young drivers to talk to them.
“There is a clear message here that we will not tolerate drinking and drug driving on the roads of north Wales. The message I have is simple – think twice, make a decision not to drink and drive as you will get stopped by the police.”
Some of the emerging issues and factors in young driver fatalities include drink and drug driving, excessive speed, aggressive driving, failing to wear a seatbelt and having passengers on board, with alcohol emerging as a main causation factor.
The campaign will see officers from the Roads Policing Unit as well as Local Policing Services stepping up checks and stopping vehicles. Operations will be planned and areas targeted and both covert and overt tactics will be used.
Specially designed posters have been distributed across licensed premises throughout north Wales and leaflets will be handed out by the officers visiting those premises in rural areas.
North Wales Police has a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which are drink and drug driving, dangerous driving including unnecessary risk taking, speeding, failing to wear a seat belt and using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Chief Inspector Wareing added: “We are committed to assisting in reducing casualties on the road through the use of targeted operations around high risk groups of people and locations while enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences.
“The risk of being seriously injured or killed rises dramatically if a decision is taken to commit a ‘Fatal 5’ offence and I want people to be aware of the devastating affect it can have and make a conscious decision not to take any chances.”
If you have information regarding drink driving or if know of anybody who regularly drives whilst over the legal drink drive limit, contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers Wales anonymously on 0800 555 111 – it could help save a life.
30/7/12
On Sunday 29 July, a team of motorcyclists navigated the winding rural roads of Powys and Ceredigion to raise awareness of road safety and to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity, the UK’s leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for the fire and rescue service family.
The 70-mile journey was supported by 100 riders who were accompanied by Mid and West Wales Fire Bike Safety teams and Dyfed Powys Police. The spectacular event culminated in a safety campaign on the promenade in Aberystwyth.
Dougie Bancroft, Regional Fundraiser for The Fire Fighters Charity and organiser of the event, commented on its success. He said: “I would like to thank all of the riders and supporters for making the event and the day very successful. With over 100 riders and outstanding support form everyone involved, it made the day a pleasure to be part of”.
The Jubilee Motorcycle Run was very close to Dougie’s heart, as he was also a Torch bearer in the recent Olympic Torch Relay in Wales. The event has raised £1,500 for The Fire Fighters Charity and was such a success that all concerned will be looking to make it an annual event.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Paul Bates added to the support: “It is always pleasing to see members of the community and the Emergency Services jointly working to raise money, whilst also promoting a serious message of road safety. The event has been a tremendous success and I would personally like to thank all of those who have taken part.”
23/7/12
The number of people caught drink-driving during a summer crackdown across Wales has fallen compared to the previous year.
A total of 360 people tested positive for alcohol or drugs - 1.9% of 19,277 tested in June.
It is down from the 2.5% who tested positive during the 2011 campaign, which was described by police at the time as "alarming" .
But officers said more awareness of the issue was still needed.
South Wales Police recorded the highest percentage of motorists who tested positive for drink or drugs at 4%, while North Wales Police had the lowest at 1%.
Chief Constable Jackie Roberts of Dyfed-Powys Police, which led the campaign, said it was important to keep highlighting the dangers of drink-driving.
"We want to get the message across that drinking alcohol and driving is unacceptable and that it puts other road users at risk," she said.
"We cannot safely calculate how much we can drink and then drive and that also means the morning after.
" The choice is simple, you either drink or drive."
Susan Storch, chair of Road Safety Wales, added: "These results demonstrate how necessary it is for us all to continue to work together in educating drivers on the dangers of consuming alcohol and / or taking drugs and then driving."
| |
Dyfed-Powys |
Gwent |
South Wales |
North Wales |
All Wales |
Total breath tests administered |
2,273 |
3,261 |
3,226 |
10,517 |
19,277 |
| Total positive, refused or failed to provide |
79 |
50 |
130 |
101 |
360 |
| % of those that were positive, refused or failed to provide |
3.5% |
1.5% |
4.0% |
1.0% |
1.9% |
Source: Dyfed-Powys Police
13/7/12
From Monday 16th July, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) will be teaming up with their Road Safety partners to run a one week course to educate prisoners on road safety awareness.
The course will include topics such as vehicle crime, road traffic collision (RTC) causation factors and the consequences of irresponsible driving. It will also give an insight into the process of applying for a driving licence and passing the theory/hazard perception test.
SWFRS is running the course in partnership with Cardiff Council, South Wales Police and HMP Cardiff resettlement department. The course itself is disseminated to young people (age 17 – 25 years) at HMP Cardiff who have all been convicted of vehicle crime with the possibility of some also being involved in arson with the burning out of vehicles. The week long course will use educational tools such as true life stories and incidents, dvds, discussions and the use of SWFRS modified Ford Focus which is used as an engagement tool where the hazard perception test will be taken from a screen in the boot of the vehicle.
Martin Henderson, Head of Risk Reduction, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said;
“We aim to reduce the likelihood of these young people re offending are by educating them and building their awareness about the consequences of their actions to enable them to move forward in theirs lives with the aim of making more positive choices”.
“This is a programme which has never before run in HMP Cardiff so therefore we will be monitoring the young people attitude and behaviour change, from the beginning to end of the course”.
“The purpose of this course is to equip the young people of a broader understanding of their role within their community in regards to keeping safe and building respect. In turn, this will feed into the building of their self-esteem as they take into account the impact of their previous actions and working towards a positive future plan”.
Senior Officer Dave Raisbeck from HMP Cardiff resettlement department said; this is a multi-functional unit that likes to be at the forefront of resettlement, and as such we are always looking at new ways of helping offenders rehabilitate and resettle back into their various communities with the skills required to assist them. We currently run several accredited offending behaviour programmes that address their substance mis-use and the way they think, to ensure they realise the consequences of their actions before they act”.
“We also provide them with the basic skills they need before they are released, such as housing, banking, CV's, money management and employment qualifications to give them a chance upon release. The things most of us take for granted but for one reason or another they haven’t been taught by their peers”.
“The Ministry of Justice recently produced a 'Green Paper' called Breaking the cycle which looks at effective punishment and rehabilitation, and would encourage people to look out for collaborative and innovative opportunities. This prompted me to look at the 'interventions directory' for the whole prison service and realised that there is a gap at tackling driving related offences which I think we could 'Pilot' and fill for South Wales. At present HMP Cardiff have nearly 10% of its 814 offenders whose offence primary or secondary offence is driving related, on top of this a large proportion of our remaining offenders have been previously convicted of a driving related offence so there is definitely a need. Therefore I would like to introduce a 'Road Safety Awareness' course at Cardiff as a joint collaboration with South Wales Fire Service and Cardiff City Council to address this need. We are also currently implementing an E-Learning opportunity for offenders to prepare them for sitting/re-sitting their driving tests through revision for hazard perception and theory test training”.
11/7/12
Students from Ysgol Dyffryn Taf in Whitland have reaped the benefits of a road safety event, organised by Carmarthenshire Council's Youth Service.
Youth officers from the Mobi project delivered the session and raised awareness on the consequences of unsafe driving.
Various workshops were delivered throughout the day, including a first aid workshop with St John Ambulance and a road safety demonstration by Mid and West Fire and Rescue Services and Dyfed-Powys Police.
A drink-drive simulator was provided by L2P School of Motoring and basic vehicle maintenance and safety was demonstrated by the Youth Service.
Community Youth Worker, Paul Williams said: "The event was very successful; the students left the event with a good understanding of road safety.
"By providing young people with workshops like this, we are helping to make our roads safer. Thank you to all the services who attended on the day, their presence went a long way."
9/7/12
Wales YFC is working alongside Powys County Council Road Safety Unit and Road Safety Wales to promote safer road use to its members and the public during the Royal Welsh Show.
At the YFC Centre on the Royal Welsh Showground, Road Safety Officers will be present to encourage those present to have a go on the driving simulator to highlight the various dangers of road use, such as how alcohol affects your ability to drive, driving whilst tired and using mobile phones at the wheel.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service will be bringing their Ford Focus ST to the Young Peoples Village. Young people staying at the YFC organised camping and entertainment complex will be able to put their skills to the test by trying out the hazard perception video on the built in 40” LCD TV. The system allows for different driving scenarios to be played, each with their own possible dangers and hazards. The Focus is also fitted with a high performance ‘Focal’ music system, an X Box Kinnect and LED under car lighting. There will also be an opportunity to try a breathalyser to see if they are OK to drive the morning after.
Dylan Jones, Wales YFC Chairman states;
“We are glad to be working with these parties to promote safer road use to our members and the public in general. We hope that those present at both the Young Peoples Village and Royal Welsh Show will make use of the facilities that are on offer and increase and knowledge and understanding of road safety issues affecting all road users.”
9/7/12
Pupils from St Cenydd, St Martin’s, Bedwas High and Cwm Aber Primary School cycled from Abertridwr and Caerphilly town centre to St Cenydd School to launch the new cycle shelters and picnic village.
Joined by a team from GE Aviation Wales and Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Road Safety Team, the staff and pupils cycled along the shared-use pedestrian and cycle route that runs from Senghenydd to Caerphilly town centre which was developed as part of the Safe Routes in Communities project funded by the Welsh Government and the Sewta Regional Transport Consortia Grant.
The cycle route and the new secure cycle shelters at St Cenydd, St Martin’s and Bedwas High has put in place the facilities to encourage more pupils to walk and cycle to school, which will have benefits for health, fitness and the environment.
The cyclists rode triumphantly into St Cenydd as Queen’s ‘Bicycle Race’ was played through Grow Enterprise Wales huge speakers, and were cheered by pupils, teachers and GE Aviation Wales staff as they made the final hurrah up the hill.
CCBC Mayor Cllr. Gaynor Oliver and Cllr. Tom Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, unveiled a commemorative plaque to formally launch the picnic village which was grant funded by Nantgarw-based GE Aviation Wales.
Students and volunteers from GE Aviation Wales worked together to construct the village, and paint murals for the area. The village will provide a unique dining experience for pupils where they can enjoy eating in an environment far removed from the bustle of the usual dining hall, and can relax and socialise whilst enjoying the fresh air.
On creating the picnic village, Natasha Wilde, from GE Aviation Wales said: “We are thrilled that we have been able to support this project. We wanted to create an environment which was suitable for children of all ages, where they could spend time with their friends during lunch and break times. We thoroughly enjoyed working on the project and no doubt the school will benefit from the facilities for many years to come.”
Students were formally presented with medals and certificates by Mayor Oliver for participating in the event, who said, “Healthy Living is not just about the food you eat but also increasing the amount you move. Congratulations to all who have participated today, especially the pupils, who are such a shining example to their peers.”
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