Printer friendly page

'Killer commute' periods claim more lives
Cumbria Safety Cameras says that drivers taking more care when travelling too and from work would dramatically reduce the number of people being killed and seriously injured on the county's roads.

Accident statistics for the first six months of the year, in which 15 people died and a further 85 have been seriously injured, show distinct peaks between 8.00 and 9.00am, and 5.00pm and 6.00pm. These are supported by figures for the previous 10 years.

Kevin Tea, communications manager for Cumbria Safety Cameras said: "Figures show that the greatest number of accidents happen during key commuting times. The figures are consistent for every month so it is not a phenomenon of the winter months."

The Killer Commute theory is further enhanced by the fact that most accidents occur on A Class national speed limit routes linking the major commercial centres within Cumbria.

"While we might expect early morning collisions to be caused by drivers who are still half asleep or late for work, the high incidence of serious crashes in the afternoon is a little harder to explain," Tea continued.

"Our analysis shows that the vast majority of collisions are down to driver error so the claim that we have 'killer roads' doesn't hold water; we have careless drivers who are to blame."

For further information contact Kevin Tea on 01768 217791, or kevin.tea@cumbria.police.uk

Police campaign targets older drivers
Police have launched a campaign to cut road accidents involving older drivers in the Tayside area.

According to Tayside Police, 51 road users aged over 50 years were involved in road accidents across the region in the first three months of 2006. The force is organising a series of information events to improve safety for older drivers.

Road safety co-ordinator, Marian Scott, said: "The aim of these events is to highlight some of the dangers that face adults as they grow older. It is certainly not about suggesting that all older drivers are bad drivers, or that by calling someone an older driver they are in some way too old to be behind the wheel."

For the full story go to: http://www.injurywatch.co.uk.

Truckers urged to put brakes on

Lorry drivers and other business drivers are being urged to take more care in a new campaign, Speeding It's Bad For Business, launched by Cumbria Safety Cameras last week.

Kevin Tea, (pictured) of Cumbria Safety Cameras, said: "Over the last three years HGVs have been involved in 35 fatal, 132 serious and 812 slight injury accidents in Cumbria. While we are not having a witch hunt against these drivers, we need to address the concerns these figures raise."

A leaflet explaining the responsibilities of employers to their workforce is being distributed as part of the campaign. The leaflet has a tear-off section giving top tips to help employees keep their speed in check.

For the full story go to: http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/

Regional winners enjoy cycling finals

71 regional winners took part in the annual Gwent safe cycling championship final, which was hosted by Monmouthshire County Council at County Hall in Cwmbran on 15 July.

The individual winner was Ryan Gardner (pictured) of St Mary's Church in Wales Primary, Brynmawr. The team trophy was won by Bryn School, Pontllanfraith.

For further information contact Penny Thorpe on 01633 463376, or penny.thorpe@capita.co.uk.