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Motorists more at risk on Fridays

Speeding motorists who rush home from work on a Friday afternoon have been warned that it is the most perilous time to drive on Scotland's roads.

Figures from the Scottish Safety Camera Partnership suggest accidents increase by nearly 20% on Friday afternoons, and it has launched a campaign against what it terms 'fatal Friday syndrome'.

Analysts believe the rise is linked to drivers switching off and speeding home after a long and tiring week at work.

Fatal Friday is said to be a worldwide phenomenon, with countries like America and New Zealand reporting similar findings.

For the full story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4607848.stm

Police officer develops reflective panel

A serving police officer with Leicestershire Constabulary has designed a high visibility rucksack cover for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

"As area car driver I am available for grade 1 incidents that require an immediate police response," says Mark Rogers. "A large proportion of the incidents I deal with are road traffic accidents.

"I am also a keen cyclist and in response to the appalling number of road casualties involving cyclists and pedestrians, and my own near miss experiences as a cyclist, I have designed and developed a high visibility rucksack cover for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians."

The reflective panels can be positioned to accommodate different riding and walking positions, and can be designed to include an organisation's logo or brand. The covers should be available in April.

For further information contact Mark Rogers on Creflectives@aol.com , or go to www.creativereflectives.co.uk.

Spike helps children to safe start

Thousands of children are being helped to a safe start to their life at school through an information pack from Redcar and Cleveland Council's road safety team.

The ongoing scheme is targeting every reception age child starting school in the Borough - that's over 2,500 youngsters every year - with a free road safety pack for them and their parents.

The information includes various leaflets and 'Be Safe, Be Seen' fluorescent and reflective stickers.

Councillor Eric Empson said: "This is another example of how we're trying to educate youngsters and their families about being safe, particularly around schools."

The Council's road safety mascot, Spike the Hedgehog, is pictured last week handing out the packs to youngsters at Ormesby Primary School.

For further information contact Mike Hall on 07909 906351.

Sensing system could save pedestrian lives

A new sensing system for vehicles could, in time, help to save lives of pedestrians and cyclists across the European Union.

A pilot project was carried out during 2005 to develop a pre-impact sensing platform. The system operates three different sensor technologies simultaneously, and then fuses data to protect cyclists and pedestrians under different weather and light conditions.

The system comprises a radar network comprising several 24 GHz sensors working in parallel, and an imaging system composed of passive infrared and colour video cameras.

"The concept is relatively straightforward," explains Dr Marc-Michael Meinecke of Volkswagen, one of the partners in the SAVE-U project. "SAVE-U combines sensors such as radar, vision and infrared camera, as well as sensor fusion and actuators, to increase safety for pedestrians.

"The sensors recognise pedestrians, and if there is a high probability of a collision it automatically applies the vehicle's brakes."

A prototype vehicle has been successfully tested in the UK.

For further information contact Dr Meinecke on +49-53-61920663, or Marc-Michael.Meinecke@volkswagen.de

To read the full article, go to: < http://istresults.cordis.lu

Team's creativity commended

Hampshire's road safety team and GCap radio have been highly commended by Vox Events 2005 for their creative excellence in commercial radio production.

The accolade came for an advert aimed at younger drivers, which was created in response to growing concerns about the affects drug driving has on the ability to drive safely.

The advert raises awareness of the consequences of drug driving, and says that it is as unacceptable as drink driving.

The campaign ran for one month and reached 65% of 15-25 year olds who listen to Power Radio.

For further information contact Lyndsay Shearing on 01962 846887.

To hear the commercial click here

RoSPA conference spotlights at work road safety

RoSPA is hosting a seminar on managing occupational road risk on 22 February. The event will be held at Holywell Park, Loughborough University, and will address the problem of practical risk management.

Charles Davis , RoSPA's head of driver and fleet solutions, said: "Our seminar will highlight the legal, safety and business cases for action. It will also address practical problems such as risk management, working with insurers, alcohol and drugs policies, and the role of the police in investigating work related road accidents.

"This is a great opportunity to hear the arguments for action, exchange experiences and obtain practical advice on how to move forward."

For details go to: www.rospa.com/morr/seminar, or ring 0870 777 2120.

Walk to School event extended to two days

Following the success of last year's event, Living Streets has extended its annual Walk to School Workshop to two days for 2006.

Day one will comprise plenary sessions covering topics including why sustainable travel is important, walking for health, mental and physical wellbeing, and the launch of the 2006 national Walk to School campaign theme.

Day two will review new Walk to School initiatives, and will provide delegates with the opportunity to attend breakouts of their choice.

The event will take place on 23-24 February at Glazier's Hall, London Bridge. In addition to the two day workshop there will be a networking event on the evening of 23 February.

For more information about the event contact Jo Pike or Julia Crear on 0207 820 1010 or go to: < http://www.livingstreets.org.uk/page.php?pageid=539

Theatre specialises in road safety

The Polkadot Theatre has developed a series of road safety productions for children of all ages.

Polkadot's Katherine Crawshaw can offer several styles of productions and workshops suitable for primary and secondary schools.

These include: Be seen at night , a 10-15 minute capsule performance for children of junior school age; Looking out for each other , in which secondary pupils use their own experiences to create drama in a workshop environment; and There are no good excuses, a 50 minute presentation for years 10 and 11 to raise awareness of driving at speed.  

For further information or to book contact Katherine Crawshaw on 01926 886625, or kathy_crawshaw@btinternet.com.

Course improves driving standards

The Aylesbury group of the Institute for Advanced Motorists (IAM) is running a seven-week course, which is designed to improve driving standards.  

The course, Better Driving, is presented by trained professionals and costs £25. It aims to help drivers gain more confidence and develop their skills to a higher standard. An assessment drive is also offered to all participants taking the course.   

Valerie Letheren Portfolio Holder for Transportation says: "The council is working in partnership with organisations like IAM, and courses like this offer valuable advice to help increase awareness of driving and more importantly driving safely."

For further information contact Anushka Desai on 01296 387187 or adesai@buckscc.gov.uk.