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ROAD
SAFETY NEWS - WEEK COMMENCING 18 AUGUST
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Roadside
visual clutter can be fatal, according to study
The Scottish Executive has published a study looking at External-To
Vehicle Driver Distraction. The study concludes that roadside
advertisements and signage clutter are a major contributory factor
in road accidents, but tend to be under reported (Surveyor, 14
August). The risk factor of billboards and signs is at its highest
at junctions and on long monotonous stretches of road.
For further details go to: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/cru/resfinds
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Consultants
reveal worrying drink drive statistics
More than a quarter of drink drive offenders are in the ‘high
risk’ category, according to figures released last week by
Telford Training Consultants (TTC).
A survey conducted by TTC - the UK’s largest provider of drink
drive education courses for offenders - revealed that more than
30 per cent of convicted drink drivers had drunk a ‘considerable’
amount before getting behind the wheel. When they were caught they
were found to be more than two and a half times over the legal limit
– putting them in the ‘high risk’ offenders category.
"To be more than two and a half times the limit means that
a woman has drunk two and a half large glasses of wine and a man
has consumed between four and five pints of strong lager,"
said TTC 2000 director Jenny Feehan. "We advocate
not to drink any alcohol before driving but for anyone to get behind
the wheel of a car after drinking that much is wilfully wrong."
The ‘snapshot’ survey of July 2003 statistics shows that
out of 692 people attending a TTC 2000 education course, 208 were
‘high risk’.
"Many people do not realise that if they are either well over
the limit, fail to provide a specimen, or commit two drink driving
offences within ten years, they fall into the high risk category,"
Jenny Feehan added. "This means they do not automatically get
their driving licence back at the end of the disqualification. They
have to go through a rigorous medical with blood tests taken to
calculate possible liver damage. If it is proven that they are dependent
on alcohol they will not get their driving licence back automatically."
The ‘High Risk Offenders’ scheme was introduced to deal
with drivers whose apparent alcohol dependency poses a risk to road
safety.
For more information please contact Jenny Feehan/Graham Wynn at
TTC 2000 on Telford (01952) 292246 or publicity co-ordinator Elaine
Adams on (01952) 505026. |
GEM
highlights foliage perils
Ideal growing conditions are creating a driving hazard for Britain’s
highway authorities and road users, according to The Guild of Experienced
Motorists (GEM).
The weather that has brought apples and raspberries into shops weeks
early has also promoted growth of trees and other vegetation on
roadside verges - hiding road signs from the view of drivers and
riders.
"Vegetation has put on a real spurt of growth and direction,
advisory and warning signs have been covered up or only become visible
at the last moment," says David Williams, GEM’s
chief executive. "It is a real danger with vehicles not knowing
which direction to take or what precautions are needed."
GEM is reminding house and landowners that it is their responsibility
to cut back trees and bushes that may be hiding signs. "The
highways authority can order you to cut the vegetation back and
give you fourteen days to comply. If you do not they can carry out
the work and bill you," David Williams adds. "If the problem
is caused by trees growing on public land the council should be
advised so the problem can be remedied. The highways authority is
also responsible for keeping road signs clean and visible." |
Lancaster
throws hat in ring
Lancaster has become the first town to throw its hat in the ring
in a bid to become the £7.5m-funded showcase for sustainable
transport policies (Surveyor, 7 August).
A joint approach to the DfT for Transport’s Sustainable Travel
Town plan project has come from Lancashire County Council and Lancaster
City Council.
The scheme, launched at the start of last month, is looking for
one or two local authorities with plans to implement measures to
promote walking, cycling and buses in towns.
The DfT has earmarked £1.5m in each of the next five years
to support the revenue costs of the pilot’s initiatives. The
council or councils chosen will be expected to make a significant
contribution to the cost of any scheme. |
HAs
bid for extra roads cash
Highway authorities are bidding for extra funds
for road maintenance amid growing concern that they will not achieve
targets for tackling the roads repair backlog (Surveyor, 14 August).
Annual progress reports to the DfT call for the injection of millions
of pounds above capital allocations set out for the next two years. |
IRSO
presents young drivers learning day
IRSO’s
London Area Group is organising a ‘Learning Day’ entitled
The Future of our Young/New Drivers, to be held on 26 September.
The event is open to anyone involved in teaching/reaching out to
young/new drivers - including road safety, education, PSHE and citizenship
teachers, driving instructors, youth offenders group leaders, police
officers, school governors and driving organisations.
The event will be held at the Institute of Advanced Motorists offices
in west London.
Further information and a booking form are available from Emma
Croxford, Traffic Management & Road Safety Unit, 25
Nelson Street, East Ham, London E6 6EH.
Tel: 020 8430 2705. Fax: 020 8430 2635.
Email: emma.croxford@newham.gov.uk |
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