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Birmingham Road Safety Partnership,
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50% Increase in Fines for Motorists Caught Texting

Fines for motorists caught texting behind the wheel are to increase by 50% as part of a Government crackdown on dangerous driving.

The Transport Secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, announced that penalties will increase to £90 for any motorist caught texting whilst driving. Speaking at a conference in London, he said: "We want to send a clear message to dangerous drivers: If you continue to show complete disregard for the safety of other road users, we will catch you – and we will punish you."

You can read the rest of this article by visiting the Road Safety GB website

Footprints Final 6 Photo Competition

Further to our article on the 4th March for the Footprints Competition. The final 6 entries have now been announced and you can now cast your vote as to who you think should be the overall winner.

The final 6 selected are: 1. Jake Mallinson, Huddersfield - Title: 'Pull the plugs from your lugs'. 2. Molly Paine, Amersham - Title: Take a moment. . Freddie Causton, Chorleywood - Title: Hit the brake, not the person. 4. Katie Shaw, Prestwood - Title: Lego. 5. Kate Becket, Cambridge - Title: Think! 6. Rukayya Bilal-Thompson, Luton - Title: 'When you're on the road pay attention, or you won't like the consequences'

You can cast your vote by visiting the Footprints Shortlist Website

Voting is now closed, the Winners will be announced week commencing 20th May 2013

The UN Global Road Safety Week

The Second UN Global Road Safety Week to be held 6-12 May 2013 is dedicated to pedestrian safety.

Requested by the UN General Assembly, the Week will draw attention to the urgent need to better protect pedestrians worldwide, generate action on the measures needed to do so, and contribute to achieving the goal of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 to save 5 million lives. Join the international community to ensure a fatality free Week and a significant and long-lasting contribution towards making walking safe for all.

You can find out more or join in by visiting The Long Short Walk

Seriously, how dangerous can a text be?!

Perception can change everything, sending a text can seem fairly innocuous...can't it?

This video was produced by Gwent Police and Tredegar Comprehensive School, it aims to raise (very graphic) awareness to young and newly qualified drivers to the real dangers that being distracted while driving can have. It focuses very specifically on illustrating what happens within the car but also how the accident effects a much bigger group of people, from the other cars involved through to the rescue services and the families and friends of the victims.

And all that from just a little text message.
Spread the word 'DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE'

Don't Text & Drive

Understanding the full impact that driving while distracted can have is sometimes forgotten. This brilliant campaign changes all that

Stop Accidentes are a Spanish Road Safety Group. Founded in 2000, its mission is to promote a cultural change on road safety and traffic accidents. To raise awareness to all concerned institutions and society in general to reduce road rage and its effects, helping victims affected by traffic accidents, by providing services that meet the unmet needs and promoting actions to achieve sustainable safe mobility.

The campaign of 3 posters leaves the viewer under no illusion as to the dangers of texting while driving, they very cleverly retain the serious nature of the issue while covering up the faces with emoticons, the bright yellow faces really drawing the viewer in.

You can see the rest of the posters on our Google + page

300 Year Driving Bans

The Street Racing initiative which we run last summer in conjunction with the West Midlands Police has seen significant success in making our roads safer.

We targeted dangerous drivers on the A47 near Star City as part of the program, in some cases drivers had been recorded reaching speeds of 120mph. Around 250 people have appeared in court, and received driving bans of up to two years and fines reaching £2,000.

Offenders were convicted under Section 12(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 which makes it illegal to take part in a race or speed trial between motor vehicles on a public highway.

Read what convictions were given and what else the campaign is doing at the Birmingham Mail

Nothing you have to say is THAT important!

This brilliant campaign delivered by Focus Driven centres on raising awareness to the dangers of driving whilst using a mobile phone.

The 3 posters utilise the tribute made at the roadside when drivers have lost their lives, but shapes the tributes to reflect text messages. The posters also bring some statistics to the campaign, like 'Drivers who text are 8 times more likely to crash'.

You can see the rest of the posters for the Focus Driven campaign at our Google + page

Slower is Better

The Elm Grove Police Department of Wisconsin commissioned this advert to raise awareness to motorists of the effects of going over the 25mph speed limit

Rather than taking the normal approach of just highlighting how fast a motorist is actually driving, the Elm Grove Police Department took a slightly different tactic and gave the drivers something else to consider.

The 3 poster campaign displayed different consequences to speeding, one highlighted the cost of accident when the fault lies with the driver. Another illustrated the drivers increased chances of having an accident, and while the figures are not meant to be accurate they are designed to make the driver think. But our favourite is the one above highlighting how many days the driver might have to spend in hospital due to speeding.

Would this make you slow down? Let us know your thoughts on our twitter page

You can see the Elm Grove Police Departments Website here

DFT launches Road Safety Observatory and Comparison website

The DFT has launched two new road safety websites, the Road Safety Observatory and the Road Safety Comparison website.

The Road Safety Observatory Website

The Road Safety Observatory gives road safety professionals and practitioners access to empirical road safety research with summaries in ‘plain English’ and will be updated as and when new research is published.

You can visit the Road Safety Observatory Website here

The Road Safety Comparison Website

The Road Safety Comparison site is designed to help the public and road safety professionals compare the road safety performance of local authorities. The site shows how a local highway authority is performing by putting collision and casualty numbers into context.

By setting those numbers against population, traffic levels, road length, and authority spend a set of indicators have been produced which show performance over the last seven years and where that authority stands against others.

The site also provides a mapping facility that can be filtered so that a user can, for example, see how many cyclists or children have been involved in collisions on a particular road.

You can visit the Road Safety Comparison Website here

To read more on the launch of both sites visit the Road Safety GB website >

New MOT Rules Introduced!

The new MOT rule brings Britain into line with the rest of Europe addressing the issue of in-car electronics. But but the AA has warned that many drivers will fail to comply with the new rules.

New MOT rules came into force on 20th March which attempt to reflect the growth of in-car electronics. The changes bring Britain into line with the rest of Europe, but the AA has warned that many drivers will fail to comply with the new rules.

Andy Smith, the AA’s patrolman of the year, said: “If you’ve been happily ignoring a warning light because it’s not part of the MOT, these changes mean your car could now be on the MOT scrap heap or you’ll need to fork out on expensive repairs.

“While it could have expensive consequences for someone running an old car on a tight budget, these changes are long overdue as airbags, for example, have been widely fitted since the mid-nineties. It’s important that these systems remain safe and effective throughout the life of the vehicle.

“A typical modern car has 40 or more computers and a level of technical sophistication a world away from that seen in the early 1990s when the MOT test last underwent a major revision. These changes are important and help bring the MOT test in line with 21st century car technology.”

Other changes will include tests on dashboard lights; tyre pressure monitoring systems; car seats; car doors; airbags; electronic stability controls; the speedometer; and the catalytic convertor.

To read the rest of this article visit the Road Safety GB website

What Matters Most?

Music, Mobile, Sandwich ... Or Seeing The Cyclist?

The 'What Matter Most' website is an online information resource for all road users, but with a particular emphasis on the needs, concerns and safety of cyclists. The aim is to provide hints, tips and guidance for everyone, so as to improve knowledge, understanding, tolerance and the appreciation of one simple fact . . .

We are all just trying to get from A to B, safely.

To read more on this story visit the website

THINK! campaign reveals the hidden cost of a humble pint

A £50,000 pint of beer was unveiled in London last week as part of the latest THINK! campaign highlighting the consequences of a drink-drive conviction.

The costly pint, housed in a protective glass case and surrounded by security guards, was revealed in Leadenhall Market by Stephen Hammond, road safety minister.

Stephen Hammond said: “It might only look like a humble pint of beer, but it could end up costing much more than a few quid - in fact it comes with an eye-watering hidden cost if it pushes you over the limit.

“Most people know not to drink and drive but a small number still do, which is why we are highlighting the consequences of a drink drive conviction through our THINK! campaign.

“Anyone thinking of drinking and driving should be without any doubt – if you are caught driving over the limit you will face a heavy court fine and lose your licence – you could even go to prison.”

The latest £1.68m THINK! campaign will see the ‘Consequences’ drink drive adverts being re-aired on TV during the spring months. The advert features a barman morphing into a range of characters - including a policeman, a magistrate, an employer and a car dealer - to show the potential consequences of drink driving.

Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, from the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: “Drivers need to be aware there are several ways for police to catch drink drivers, so it’s not a matter of if you get caught, it’s when.

“Over the Christmas period last year police breathalysed more than 20,000 extra drivers compared to the previous year. As a result of this, there are drivers who never thought they would be caught but are now facing fines, driving bans and a criminal record.”

The Institute of Advanced Motorists estimates the personal financial cost of drink-drive conviction at 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.

Simon Best, IAM chief executive, said: “The total personal cost of a drink driving conviction was a lot more than we expected. £50,000 is an awful lot to pay for just one more drink.

“On top of the up-front financial costs, the long-term impact on earnings can be serious if you factor in the stigma of a criminal record. Alcohol affects everyone differently and your limit can change depending on a large number of factors - it’s best to make it none for the road.”

To read more on this story click here...

Road Safety GB launches competition for young ‘snappers’

Road Safety GB has today (4 March) launched a national competition for budding photographers to support the Second UN Global Road Safety Week (6-12 May) and its theme of pedestrian safety.

The competition, called ‘Footprints’, is open to young people aged 11-18 years and requires competitors to snap away on the theme of pedestrian safety. Footprints will run until 21 April and the winners will receive camera equipment provided by Panasonic.

Su Ormes, who is organising the competition on behalf of Road Safety GB, said: “When you watch the news or scan newspapers and the Internet, you would probably deduce that the likeliest threats to our teenagers are drugs, knife crime, suicide or homicide.

“However, the most likely cause of death to those aged 11–18 years in the UK is through injury sustained while using the roads.

“Through this competition we are aiming to engage with young people to find out what they see as the main contributory factors for this – to establish what ‘pedestrian safety’ means to them.”

In addition to the national competition, road safety teams around the UK are being encouraged to organise a ‘local’ competition in their area, or join forces with colleagues to run a regional competition. Winning entries for the local/regional competitions will then be put forward for the national competition.

The shortlisted entries will be showcased on the Road Safety GB website during Global Road Safety Week, with the winners being selected by public vote. The winning entry will be used to create a road safety poster.

To read more on this story and enter the competion click here...

Bye, Bye Tufty

When many of our young children do not even know the basics of “Stop, Look, Listen” to cross our roads, we discover that Children's road safety TV adverts are to be axed in England.

Road safety adverts will no longer be shown on television in England because the Department for Transport has decided to "re-prioritise" its budget. To read more on this story click here...

One letter is all it takes - Don’t Text & Drive

A great advert highlighting the dangers of texting while driving

Don’t Text and Drive!

The New Drivers Act

Lack of awareness around the 'New Drivers Act' despite being around since 1997 - the Good Egg Guide keeps it simple for parents and newly qualified drivers...

Penalty Points & The New Drivers Act - The Good Egg Guide for the parents of new drivers

Superb road safety programme

Superb road safety programme aimed at teenagers, "Routes" uses streetwise puppets to educate and engage with young people.

Steve Wright is the Director of The Puppet Broadcasting Company and creator of the 'Routes' road safety project. There are a range of other issues covered by the PBC including, health and social and personal development issues and Steve has been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen as a UK Pioneer for is contribution to youth engagement and education.

The 'Routes' project has been partnered with many public sector organisations across the UK, delivering live roadshows and digital resources to promote road safety as a priority issue in secondary schools and colleges.

Play some of the trailers on the site (click here) to get a feel for their impact, but nothing beats their 'live' roadshows!

War on Drug Driving

Drug-drivers face more rigorous tests after a kit for detecting cannabis was approved for use in police stations across the UK, the Home Office said.

This article was published by the Birmingham Mail on Jan 5th 2013.

A positive saliva test with the new device means West Midlands officers will no longer have to call a doctor before asking for a blood sample if they suspect a driver of being on drugs.

The testing kit is able to detect THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, while equipment capable of accurately identifying other substances is still under development.

A total of 644 accidents were caused by drug-drivers using both illegal and medicinal substances, including 49 deaths, according to the most recent figures from the Department for Transport.

Policing and criminal justice minister Damian Green said: “Those who take drugs and go out on the roads are a menace to pedestrians, other motorists and themselves.”

The testing kits are being introduced under a wider crackdown, which will see drug driving become a specific offence.

Drink Driving Campaign This Christmas

As part of a campaign to build awareness around the dangers of drink driving, West Midlands Police along with The Birmingham Community Safety Partnership have developed an info graphic www.drink-driving-limit.co.uk to highlight some of the key statistics surrounding the topic.

many people are unaware of the danger that driving with alcohol in the system presents. With many people unaware that driving the next day after drinking the previous night can mean they are still over the drink drive limit.

Alcohol in your blood stream can cause a decrease in awareness and response time that endangers the lives of others and yourself - something our graphic aims to illustrate in an engaging way.

It includes a number of surprising statistics:

• 5 bottles of 5% lager can equate to 11 hours without being able to drive inside the UK legal limit.
• 2 units of alcohol can affect reaction time by 0.2 seconds.
• There is no assured way of drinking alcohol and staying under the legal alcohol limit. The amount that can be consumed varies from person-to-person.

With a decrease of over 50% in drink drivers arrested since 2007 a council can help to increase this further by promoting the vital drink driving statistics.

To view the resource, go to www.drink-driving-limit.co.uk they have also included options to add this to your website via either some code, or a PDF resource think-dont-drink.pdf.

The Magical Disappearing Motorbikes

Stare at the black spot for 30 seconds and see what happens

This great, eye catching campaign highlights the need for increased awareness of Motorcyclists on not just South Australian roads but globally as well. Click on the image for a bigger version.

‘Stuarts Story’ - WMFS road safety initiative set to be a hit

Two budding young grime artists have recorded an audio track designed to change attitudes to driving and highlight the consequences of irresponsible road use. ‘Stuartrsquo;s Storyrsquo; is the result of a link-up between Birmingham Youth Offending Service, the WMFS Road Casualty Reduction Team (RCRT) and the West Midlands Road Safety Partnership (WMRSP).

Birmingham teenagers Jesse Bowen and Kadeem Lavington - both former young offenders themselves - have written lyrics and ‘spit their bars’ on the grime-based track which features the life-story of Stuart Fisher MBE, from Walsall. As a 17-year-old he was knocked down by a drink-driver in a stolen car while crossing the road on holiday in Blackpoolin 1996. Stuart was left with life-changing injuries and in need of 24-hour care.

It’s hoped that the recording will deliver a strong message to all motorists, but especially 16 to 25-year-old male drivers. They account for a large proportion of the people killed or seriously injured every year on the region’s roads.

Arron Lennon, from the WMFS RCRT, who led on the project, said: “I invited young people from Birmingham’s Youth Offending Teams along to a road safety presentation, featuring Stuart’s life story.  Jesse and Kadeem got to meet Stuart and his parents, and were so influenced and inspired by his story that they felt they could make a difference to the people and communities of the West Midlands through their musical talent. 

“As part of the programme they spent some time at a fire station, to see the reality of what fire fighters often have to deal with when they turn out to road traffic collisions. ‘Stuart’s Story’ highlights how the actions and decisions of the people involved on the day he was knocked over have had serious consequences for him, his family and his friends.”

The track was produced by Ian Clarke and Dean Jones, who both work for the Youth Offending Service in Birmingham.  Dawn Roberts, who heads the service, said: “Jesse and Kadeem had completed the requirements of their court orders, but volunteered to be involved in ‘Stuart’s Story’ as they recognised they had much more to offer.  

“The Youth Offending Service expects all young people on community court orders to undertake some form of restorative justice, to increase their understanding of the consequences of crime to victims and society. In this case, Jesse and Kadeem have demonstrated that the system can achieve what it aims to do and rehabilitate young people.”

Peter Francis, WMRSP Manager, said: “Last year, on West Midlands roads, 11 car drivers and passengers aged 16 to 25 were killed and 100 were seriously injured. This project will help to reach one of our target groups with a positive message, and hopefully achieve the results we’re always striving for.”

The hard work of Jesse and Kadeem, and Birmingham Youth Offending Service, were officially recognised at a presentation ceremony at Teamworks Karting, Birmingham, where everyone involved in the ‘Stuart’s Story’ project was treated to a VIP go-karting experience and an award to recognise their efforts.

You can listen to, watch or download the ‘Stuart’s Story’ track by clicking this link

Photographs of the celebration event can also be viewed at Flickr here

To get a free copy, or road safety information, call the RCRT on 0121 380 7991.

Street Racing Hits The News

Street Racing gains speed as the campaign hits the news

BRSP & West Midlands Police Tackling Street Racing

Efforts to clampdown on illegal, dangerous street racing shifts up a gear from 11th November with traffic calming barriers installed on a Birmingham trunk road to deter anti-social driving and protect the public. Sturdy, temporary barriers will be placed on a section of Nechells’ Heartlands Parkway on Sunday night (Nov 11) to reduce the stretch to a single carriageway and slow traffic speed.

The move by Birmingham’s Road Safety Partnership – which includes West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service and Birmingham City Council – is in response to public outcry after hundreds of street racers were caught on covert CCTV cameras turning the A47 into a drag strip.

The barricades will be in place on Sunday nights, into the early hours of Monday morning, for the foreseeable future.

West Midlands Police has charged more than 200 motorists with driving offences in Heartlands Parkway since May – seeing many disqualified from driving and handed hefty fines – whilst a similar number are still being processed by the courts.

Birmingham Police Inspector Paul Dutton, said: “These traffic calming measures will prevent side-by-side racing and reduce drive speeds along that stretch. They will only be introduced late on Sunday night and into the early hours of Monday so won’t impact on the majority of other road users.

“Offenders have been using this stretch of the A47 in-particular to race each other and reach speeds of up to 120mph. It‘s very dangerous, has resulted in numerous accidents – some involving innocent motorists – and has caused considerable noise disturbance and inconvenience for local residents and businesses.

“It’s totally unacceptable and anyone who participates in street racing on Birmingham’s roads needs to understand we will prosecute them and they are likely to lose their licence and face a fine running into hundreds of pounds.”

In addition to driving bans and fines, more than 110 civil injunctions have also been taken out on offenders which prohibits them from taking part in, or even watching, street racing. And if they breach the terms of the injunction they face a £5,000 fine and can have their car seized and crushed!

Road Safety Partnership Manager Trudi Maybury, added: “Given the sheer volume of spectators and participants, it would only take one vehicle to lose control for us to witness devastating consequences.

“We’ve taken decisive action to curb this type of racing and to reduce the risk to our communities and law-abiding road users.”

Future medium and long term improvements to the A47 will be consulted upon to remove the appeal this road has to street racers.

‘Death trap’ car seats putting young lives at risk

An increasing number of counterfeit child car seats are being sold to unsuspecting parents in the UK, according to TRL and Good Egg Safety.

Counterfeit seats are often sold online and on auction websites at what appear to be bargain prices. While these seats may look and feel like genuine products, crash testing performed by TRL has shown that counterfeit seats are often of very poor quality and offer children little protection in a collision. Read more...>

FORGET CYBER-PETS - GET A FREE BEER-MONKEY FOR YOUR SMART PHONE...

...and be smart about how long alcohol will stay in your body. This is not an exact science, the Beer Monkey will explain this is only a 'guide', but if you are having a drink with your mates, this fun app will give you a 'guide' as to when you will be alcohol free!

This could be important about the decisions you make the morning after a drinking session - given the evening’s alcohol consumption you should be getting a taxi or public transport, not taking the car; and should you really call the girl / boy you hit-on last night, or maybe wait ’til later when your head’s a little clearer and you remember everything you said (and did?) ??? :

Get your mates to get the app and you can compare Beer Monkey notes!

The Beer Monkey is the free 'fun' app for you cool-dudes and dudettes, but if you want to get serious about your health in relation to alcohol consumption, then check-out www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/10/smartphone-drinks-tracker/ for the Department of Health's drinks tracker app.

WMFS Helping make roads safer

We work closely with our colleagues in West Midlands Fire Service Road Casualty Reduction Team, who deliver road safety messages across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

This is their new web-page highlighting the services they offer - they can taylor road safety education for any group to make it interesting and engaging: www.wmfs.net/content/road-casualty-reduction-team

DYING 2 SND A REPLY

A very striking advert by Brake, warning of the dangers of using a phone whilst driving

To read more about Brake's campaign just click on this link

Millionth uninsured vehicle seized as UK’s hotspots revealed

Today, police in Birmingham will seize the millionth vehicle for no insurance in an operation to disrupt criminal activity in an area of the UK which is identified as one of the worst hotspots for uninsured driving. Bordesley (B9) in Birmingham continues to dominate the hotspot ranks and means that it has eight times the number of motorists driving vehicles without insurance compared to the national average.

To read the full press release clicking here

Seats Belts Save Lives – The Falling Hoarding

In Mumbai, very few motorists care to strap on their seat belts. The Mumbai Traffic police wanted to remind people to follow this basic safety procedure.

The Solution: Instead of merely talking about the benfits of wearing a seat belt, the hoarding demostrated it. At a busy traffic junctio, the full sized billboard was leant forward at a precarious angle and held back by a giant seat belt. The message simply said: Seat Belts Save.

Spot The Odd One Out - the odd one out will be the one you hit if you text and drive

Birmingham Road Safety Partnership is always looking for new and inivative ideas to put across serious road safety messages that make you think. This clever 'don't text and drive' campaign was thought-up to bring your attention to the fact that you are 23 times more likely to have a collision if you are texting whilst driving.

Mobile phones are a MAJOR distraction for drivers and collisions involving driving whilst using a mobile phone have dramatically increased. And yet most car journeys are comparatively short - so remove the temptation and the distraction by turning your mobile off when you get in the car, just for the journey, and arrive safely. (And there are 23 cycles on this poster - I've counted - I bet you can't resist counting them too....)

Y-Factor Winners Song Out Now

Whittington Primary Schools winning song is now available for download from the Y-Factor website

The song which was recorded in a professional music studio is the highlight of the competition for the school. If you'd like to see the video of the school performing the song or just download the song to your computer then just go to the Y-Factor Website byclicking here

I want to ride my bicycle.

BRSP are pleased to announce this weekend Sat 26th & Sun 27th May 2012 the launch of the Bike North Birmingham project.

Discover a world of cycling in Erdington, Sutton Coldfield, and the surrounding areas Bike North Birmingham is an exciting project that will transform the profile of cycling in Erdington and Sutton Coldfield over the next four years.

The project aims to get more people cycling more often, with fun, healthy and sustainable cycling activities planned for workplaces, schools, stations and local communities.

By increasing the amount of cycling in the area Bike North Birmingham will help to improve the environment, the local economy and the health and fitness of local people.

Why not come along to this fun, free event and get involved with exciting activities:

• Dr Bike mechanics will give your bike a free health check;
• Get your bike security tagged for free by West Midlands Police and record your bike’s details in a free Bike Passport;
• Make your own refreshments on our pedal powered smoothie maker and help power the entertainment with the bike powered generator;
• Join a free led ride for cyclists of all abilities. Advance booking required − please call 0121 464 1020. Loan bikes and equipment also available to book if you don’t have your own;
• Collect a free family treasure trail guide − bike and walking routes in local parks and open spaces
• Plus freebies, giveaways and other prizes to win.

Locations
Saturday from 11am - 4pm located in Sutton Town Centre (outside BHS)
Sunday from 11am - 4pm located in Castle Vale Shopping Centre (outside chemist)

More Info
For more information on the Bike North Birmingham project, visit http://bikenorth.birmingham.gov.uk/
And for for more information on the weekend activities just click here

The Future of Baby Car Safety?

British engineers at Cool Technologies have invented what is arguably the future for baby seat car safety. The revolutionary design produces a protective cocoon that envelopes the baby in case of an accident.

The car seat called The Carkoon has an expected price tag of £499.00 and a prototype has already undergone crash testing at the Transport Research Laboratory, to read more about this click here

The Pedestrian Ghost!

In the Ukraine the two biggest problems regarding Road Safety are Speeding and Pedestrian Safety. In fact the Ukraine has the highest rate of pedestrian collisions in Eastern Europe at a staggering 56%.

To tackle this issue a very unusual approach was taken, which was called 'The Pedestrian Ghost'. A customised manhole cover at a crossing detected a speeding car and released, as the car approached a human shaped balloon. As you would expect this caused approaching drivers to drastically slow down in fear of hitting a pedestrian. What are you thoughts on this? Do you think it's a brilliant and thought provoking method of tackling this problem or do you think it actually would more likely lead to further accidents?.

People are FRAGILE!

We are always on the look out for great Road Safety Adverts from across the globe to help raise awareness of all aspects of Road Safety. When we find one, we love to share it with you and this is a brilliant example of just that.

This fantastic advert produced for 'Practice Road Safety - Canada' puts the message right in the street to bring home far more clearly than any billboard can, how easily a small moments lapse in concentration can have dramatic effects.

Cycling in Britain today - a healthy option???

With obesity on the increase the Government and Health organisations are urging us all to get out there and 'keep active'. An obvious choice for many is to get out that bicycle! After all, cycling is a great family activity or used to commute can save you hundreds of pounds and of course it's greener for the environment. But...and let's face it, there is a 'but'…cyclists only account for 1% of road users, but they sadly make-up 10% of the fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.

So, what are we doing about that?? Research evidence shows us that when the numbers of cyclists on our roads increase, road traffic collisions overall de-crease - Cambridge is the epitome of this. Some of you may have seen the recent Times cycling campaign "Cities fit for Cycling", making Britain #cyclesafe a campaign backed by Olympic champions and ordinary cyclists alike, you can support the Times campaign at:http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3307439.ece

Cyclists and commercial vehicles of greater size have always been great adversaries, but the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) launched a 'code of conduct' last Summer to help improve cycle safety on our roads:http://www.trl.co.uk/trl-news-hub/transport-news/latest-transport-news/new-code-unveiled-to-improve-cycle-safety_800590368.htm

What are YOU doing about cycle safety?? If you are just looking to keep fit, or get active with the family, or commute your journey by cycle, get in touch with your local Cycle Club or Local Authority for some cycle safety training - most areas have FREE sessions you can attend and even bikes you can loan, and for the sake of just a couple of hours your cycle safety will be vastly improved!! Here are some useful web-links:

Child cycle safety:http://talesoftheroad.direct.gov.uk/cycling-safety.php

Bikeability scheme:http://www.dft.gov.uk/bikeability/

British Cycling (everything you every wanted to know about all forms of cycling...):http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/

Cycling in Birmingham:http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/cs/Satellite/cycling?packedargs=website%3D4&rendermode=1

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA):http://www.rospa.com/roadsafety/adviceandinformation/cycling/default.aspx

Have fun and be safe!!!

Midlands Air Ambulance joins Birmingham Road Safety Partnership - A Perfect Fit!

Torvill & Dean; Wallace & Gromit; Bacon & Eggs - you just wouldn't dream of one without the other and the BRSP is thrilled to announce that we are now working in partnership with Midlands Air Ambulance!

Few people are aware that this life saving organisation is a charity and receives NO Government funding, NO NHS funding and NO Lottery monies - they rely purely on donations. The Midlands Air Ambulance cover 6 Counties, that's over 6,000 square miles and they need £6 million each year to keep its three Air Ambulances operational. Everyone knows precious minutes count in getting urgent medical attention when it's needed most and that is exactly what the MAA do!

To find out more about this fantastic charity, up and coming events and how to support them, check-out their web-site:www.midlandsairambulance.com

Calling all West Midlands 10-15 year olds

Don't get distracted (Stop! Look! Listen! and win an iPad)

West Midlands Road Safety Partnership launches the "Don't Get Distracted" campaign. Check it out and if you're under 15 you can enter a competition to win an iPad - oh yeah, and pick up some great tips on Road Safety!!! (closing date for iPad competition is 2 April 2012).

Enter now at:www.wmroadsafety.org/igotroadskills/

Monster car crusher comes to Birmingham!

If you're taking the chance of driving uninsured in Birmingham you should know the FACTS:

• driving without insurance is illegal, it's a crime, it makes you a criminal.
• your car WILL be seized!
• you will immediately get 6 points on your license.
• you will be fined - up to £5,000!
• and if you don't think that's bad enough, this is what will then happen to your vehicle...

Uninsured vehicles are sadly on the increase and we are not denying that Birmingham has some of the highest areas of uninsured vehicles in the Country. We are working very hard to tackle this and West Midlands Police seize and crush thousands of uninsured vehicles every year. We know car insurance is expensive, but here's a few things you can try to reduce the cost of your cover:

• Young drivers check out insurance companies that use 'telematics' systems - these are electronic devices fitted to your car that monitor where, when and how you are driving. Some insurance companies allow you can choose the "boundaries" that suit you, i.e. limited milage; a set curfew so no driving late a night, etc.
• Use the comparison web-sites to really shop around for the best deals.
• Make sure your personal and vehicle details are accurate - if you have modified your vehicle your insurers must be informed or your insurance could be invalidated.

Think you're legal?? - Check-out the Motor Insurance Database web-site with your registration number now: www.askmid.com

And if, sadly, you have been involved in a collision with an uninsured driver, take a look at the Motor Insurance Bureau web-site for help and advice: www.mib.org.uk

Remember: "STAY INSURED. STAY LEGAL."

All you need is one drunk driver

A great advert that lets the viewer see the first stages of drink driving before the crash gets to the actual car.

There’s No Excuse

The Essex Casualty Reduction Board has launched ‘No Excuse’ - a new campaign aimed at making motorists rethink the way they drive in an attempt to reduce the number of KSIs (people ‘Killed or Seriously Injured’) on the roads of Essex.

The Essex Casualty Reduction Board has been inspired by the results which the same campaign, run in Dorset, was able to record. An incredible 96 percent of the Dorset public recognise ‘No Excuse’ as a road safety initiative.

Adam Pipe, Essex Police Casualty Reduction Manager has said that he hopes to achieve similar results in the Essex region.

The campaign itself not only looks to raise awareness of road safety through various media channels, but will also comprise a series of ‘Surround a Town’ days which sees Police officers, fire fighters, trading standards, council staff and other partners strategically positioned around the town in order to engage with local people (and visitors). There is also targeted enforcement on the roads around the town.

With such a presence, it is hoped that the campaign will reduce the number os KSIs and really make road users think about their behaviour and how it affects others.

Interestingly, in 2011, there were 599 KSIs in Essex and 7,592 fixed penalty tickets which were issued to drivers who used their mobile phone behind the wheel. A shocking 8,500 fixed penalty tickets were also issued to drivers who failed to wear a seatbelt. A further 1,516 drivers were also arrested for drink driving and 4,300 drivers were stopped for speeding in 30mph zones. There really is no excuse for this. Lets hope the campaign is a success.

New road safety campaign launched in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s Environmental Minister Alex Attwood has launched a series of new road safety advertisements which aim to raise awareness of issues such as the importance of wearing a seatbelt. The 4 adverts feature interviews with real-life road accident victims, who describe what happened to them in the lead up to the horrific events which have changed the way they, and their families, will live their lives forever.

One victim, Melissa, recounts how she was told that she would never walk again, following her car crash. It was the first and only time she had failed to wear a seat-belt. Everyone else involved in the crash was able to walk away from it - because they had taken the necessary precautions; they were all wearing their seat-belts.

Melvyn, another victim, had been drinking and had then gone on to drive his car. He was speeding, was not wearing his seat-belt and was subsequently left with serious brain-damage following his collision - not only changing his life, but also his mother’s.

The other two accounts feature interviews with family members of young people killed in collisions. Shannon was almost 18 years old, and had not long past her test. She was the driver and only person in her car when she crashed. She’s left her friends and family devastated.

The fourth and final account is given by Martin Gallagher’s parents. Martin was 25 when he was killed in a hit and run as he walked home from celebrating Halloween. The driver was drunk, was speeding and had drugs in his system.

Mr Attwood has thanked the brave individuals and families who have chosen to share their heartbreaking stories in the hope that similar incidents can be prevented in the future. So, whilst the campaign has been launched in Northern Ireland, the message Alex Attwood and the victims of these awful incidents wish to communicate is applicable across the globe. Be safe on the roads.

Road safety figures suggest speed cameras work

Over recent years, a number of councils across the UK have chosen to switch off their speed cameras as a result of the Government cuts. In doing so, much debate has arisen as to how much of a benefit speed cameras actually provide to road users.

Some maintain that speed cameras have their place and fulfil a purpose (that being to reduce road traffic accidents). Others believe the contrary: that data indicates fewer fatalities, serious accidents and minor incidents have occurred after the cameras have been removed.

Recent figures which have hit the press show that the number of road accidents and casualties in the UK (specifically Scotland and Northern Ireland where speed cameras are still very much present on roadsides) have reduced by 63% between 2008 - 2010, thus supporting the continued use of roadside speed cameras.

The Head of Road Safety for the AA, Andrew Howard said, ‘speed cameras have played a significant role in the reductions, acting as a clear deterrent to motorists, thus reducing the chance of accidents on our roads’. The reduction in incidents have occurred despite roads becoming busier.

Free soft drinks for designated drivers

A few years ago, the Government’s THINK! road safety initiative launched an innovative campaign to help reduce road accidents and drink driving incidents over the festive period.

The campaign was such a success, that this year, it has returned and will see designated drivers being rewarded in more than 8,000 pubs and student union bars this December.

The initiative is supported by Coca-Cola, who will be providing designated drivers with free soft drinks at participating venues. Radio advertising, posters and Facebook advertising programmes have all been launched in order to raise awareness of the offer.

Drivers will be able to find participating venues using the Coca-Cola ‘Pub Finder’ tool, which they can access online (by clicking here) or via their smart phones.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said, “Drink driving is still devastating lives; with around 250 people killed in collisions where a driver was over the limit last year. Our THINK! campaign makes it clear that drivers who get behind the wheel over the limit risk losing their licence as well as facing a fine and even a prison sentence.”

“No one wants to spend their Christmas in a police cell. My message is clear: don’t drink and drive.”

The THINK! drink drive campaign runs throughout December, finishing on 1st January 2012.

West Midlands Boxing Day Bus Services

The festive period is well and truly upon us, as we all look forward to some time off work and a merry Christmas spent with family, friends and loved ones.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, so why not enjoy yourself? Please just remember, don’t drink and drive.

As our previous article drew attention to, many people don’t realise the risk they take when they drive home after a festive night out or even when they drive home the following day. Alcohol can stay in your system for longer than you think, so don’t run the risk of driving - you could still be over the limit!

Not only is drink driving dangerous, but the fact that this time of year sees the roads glazed with a layer of ice and also sees more people out celebrating, means that there are so many more hazards to deal with.

So what’s the solution? Well, instead of driving to see your family over Christmas, why not arrange alternative means of transport? Get them to pick you up, see if you can catch the train or maybe catch the bus instead. In doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself much more, without thinking about having to drive home the next day.

National Express West Midlands will be running bus services across Birmingham and Solihull on Boxing Day - to find out what services are running and when, just click here.

Will you see a criminal when you look in the mirror this Christmas?

The message that every convicted drink driver is a criminal is the focus of a major Midlands Christmas drink drive campaign that is being launched today.

The campaign across the whole of the region will target people who think they are safe to drive believing they have only had a couple of drinks, have sweated it out at the gym or have slept it off.

In 2009, 93,000 people were caught and convicted of drink driving in Great Britain.

The focus will be on videos and blogs of five everyday characters who unwittingly took a risk. It will build on last year’s successful Amy’s Story in which a moving blog described how an unlikely young woman became a drink driver and therefore a criminal because she drove the morning after a party. The campaign prompted reaction from all over the region. You can find out more about the campaign by visiting www.over-the-limit.co.uk.

Tim Philpot, Road Safety Great Britain Regional Spokesperson and Wolverhampton City Council Road Safety Manager, said: “Most people don’t set out to be drink drivers. They get behind a wheel believing they can’t possibly be over the limit because they stopped drinking hours before or because they’ve been to the gym or had a black coffee.“

The campaign is being backed by West Midlands including Coventry, Walsall, Solihull, Birmingham, Sandwell, Dudley and Wolverhampton, West Mercia which encompasses Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin as well as Warwickshire and Gloucestershire.

Posters in pub washrooms and on mirrors and nearly 300,000 beer mats will urge people to watch an internet viral campaign of five fictitious characters who have their lives torn apart because they have taken a risk when they were unaware of the odds.

Inspector Greg Jennings, West Midlands Police added: “There are still too many people who think it’s OK to drink and drive. The truth is, the only safe level of drinking when you are planning to drive is zero because each person’s tolerance for alcohol is different.”

Tim Philpot said: “The fact that the whole of the Midlands is working together means we can put out a really impressive campaign. There won’t be anywhere in the Midlands where people won’t be reminded about Amy, Cheryl, Leon, Colin and Ryan...all normally law abiding citizens who thought they were OK to drive.”

“We want to people to take a good look in the mirror this Christmas and ask themselves: ‘Do I want to be a criminal?’

Contact:

Tim Philpot, Road Safety Great Britain Regional Spokesperson and Road Safety Manager, Wolverhampton City Council Tel: 01902 555465 Mob: 07825 530346

Inspector Greg Jennings, West Midlands Police 0345 113 5000 ext. 7922 6272 or 07724 280656.

Shirley Mann, Harvest Creative, 07803 160776 shirley@harvestcreative.co.uk

Looking back at Road Safety Week

Road Safety Week has now come to a close, but the week-long campaign saw a number of events aimed at communicating the ‘Too Young To Die’ theme, take place across the country.

Here in the Midlands, students from Sutton Coldfield’s Birmingham Metropolitan College were given the chance to learn about the devastating effects of being inexperienced on the roads. The youngsters spoke to campaigners about notable events in their pasts, and were also asked to line up next to the remains of a car, before being told that the same number of young people were killed or seriously injured on roads in the West Midlands each week.

Speaking after the event, many of the participants spoke of how the campaign had helped reiterate some of the key points associated with road safety. Whilst many of them were previously aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol (or drugs) and such like, many welcomed the reminder of the importance of ensuring that the simple things (such as checking all passengers have their seat belts on) are done properly.

Ellie Pearson, from Brake, said “It’s unacceptable that more young people die in preventable road crashes than from any other cause.”

Whilst Road Safety Week is now over, we hope that the key messages which were discussed throughout the week, are given as much thought as they were during the campaign.

Get behind Road Safety Week this week

If you’re a regular reader of our site or a keen follower of ‘all things road safety’, you’ll know that this week is Road Safety Week here in the UK.

Kicking off today, Monday 21st November 2011, Road Safety Week looks to raise awareness of the dangers of the roads in an attempt to put a stop to fatal and serious injuries which arise due to collisions on our streets.

Police officers will be out in force across the country in order to discuss this year’s theme, ‘Too Young Too Die’. Each day, six young people aged between 12-19 are killed or seriously hurt on foot or on bicycles, whilst a further 19 under the age of 25 are killed or seriously injured in cars.

Brake Charity is the principle organisation behind Road Safety Week, but of course, everyone can get involved, doing as much or as little as your time and resources dictate.

For more information, visit the Brake Charity website here.

Y-Factor Voting Open Now!

The eagerly anticipated Y-Factor competition is now open for you to cast your votes! Which school will win this year’s competition?

The Y-Factor is about everyone understanding WHY we need to cross our roads safely and HOW to do that. All 300 Primary Schools in Birmingham were invited to take part. Please listen to each of their videos and then vote for your favourite...and, of course, see what you learn about crossing the road safely!

If you would like to watch the finalists’ videos and cast your vote, please visit www.y-factor.org.uk.

A road safety campaign with a difference

Road safety awareness campaigns are quite often aimed at young drivers as they tend to be the road users with the least experience. Some may say that they are also some of the more aggressive drivers, as many take unnecessary risks and don’t fully appreciate the dangers and consequences of illegal activity such as drink driving. That’s not to say that some of the more experienced drivers don’t also make the same mistakes.

Whilst many road safety campaigns continue to be constructed to target new and existing drivers, an interesting conversation has emerged in Australia and New Zealand which suggests that one of the better ways of reducing road accidents is to actually ‘put young people off’ driving.

The suggestion, which comes courtesy of Professor Hank Weiss from University of Otago, is actually based on a wider vision. Not only should young people be encouraged to use alternative means of transport (such as trains and buses) in order to reduce road traffic accidents, they should also be conscious of the environmental impact which their cars have. By taking alternative means of transport, car accidents would decrease in frequency, greenhouse gas emissions would also decrease and individuals might have a more active lifestyle.

In Portland, Oregon, USA, young people have access to an excellent transport infrastructure which is built around safe cycling and affordable and accessible public transport. As a result, many favour cycling and public transport over the use of their own cars and because of this, road traffic figures are lower in Portland than in other cities of its size.

What do you think of Birmingham’s public transport? Do you cycle to work? Let us know your thoughts via Twitter. Tweet us @bhamroadsafety.

Be Bright, Be Seen

This weekend the clocks are going back which means we’re well and truly heading into the winter months, and the summer time is officially over for another year. At 2.00am on Sunday 30th October, the clocks will move back to 1.00am.

Whilst this change may not equate to much of a milestone for some people, it is a significant time in the road safety calendar. Many local initiatives will launch this weekend, including TV and cinema campaigns aimed at keeping youngsters safe on the roads during the winter months.

With the clocks moving back and winter drawing in, it will get darker earlier in the evenings, meaning children should be extra vigilant whilst playing outside or whilst crossing the roads. It is more difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians - particularly children - which is why it is essential both children and parents understand what the ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ campaign is all about.

The direct.gov website has a number of interactive games which aim to teach children what children can do to stay safe in the dark. Dressing brightly, wearing reflective gear and customising your backpack with reflective stickers are all fun ways to ensure that you can be seen in the dark.

Working to reduce road casualties further

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue are getting behind a new THINK! road safety campaign, which aims to spell out the dangers of not taking care on the roads, to children aged 6 - 11 years.

The campaign will comprise a series of adverts which will appear on television and cinema screens. They aim to highlight the importance of finding a safe place to cross the road and also to remind children of the importance of making sure they can be seen when they’re out after dark.

Whilst the roads in Britain are amongst some of the safest in the world, Government Minister Mike Penning believes that they can be made safer still. “Every death on the roads is a tragedy and we are determined to reduce these numbers further.”

Whilst the number of serious or fatal road accidents involving children is a huge 72% lower today than 20 years ago, it is important to continually strive towards reducing this figure further - and Mike says, that’s why, despite the need to cut the deficit, there will continue to be investments made into child road safety campaigns in order to help children understand the importance of crossing the road safely. The campaigns will also give children the skills and knowledge to grow more independent.

Wherever you are in the country, whilst the schools are closed for October half term, please be cautious when driving and make sure your children are aware of the dangers they face when playing in the street or going out with friends.

Blackberry mobile phones linked to road accidents

As we reported earlier this week, Confused.com recently conducted a road safety survey which aimed to discover how many people use their mobile phones whilst driving. The survey was able to demonstrate that whilst drivers are aware of the risks and the consequences, many of them can’t tear themselves away from social media networks such as Facebook for more than 15 minutes, posting status updates whilst stuck in traffic.

A couple of weeks ago, RIM, the company behind the BlackBerry mobile device, was hit by network problems which resulted in a number of their users being unable to access web content and more. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi however, the problems experienced by Blackberry actually translated into a positive shift for road safety.

It appears that road users in the Middle East are frequent users of mobile devices whilst behind the wheel. For 3 days during that week however, many drivers were unable to use their mobiles because of the outages RIM experienced. During this period, police in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were left scratching their heads in confusion by the fact that they were receiving substantially fewer calls relating to traffic accidents than usual.

When the network was back up-and-running again, the accident rate returned to the ‘normal’ level. It was at this point that the police were able to make the connection.

In Dubai, it’s said that there is a traffic accident every 3 minutes and in Abu Dhabi, someone dies as a result of a road-related incident, every 2 days. During the outage, accidents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi reduced by 20% and 40% respectively, and in the latter, there were no fatalities at all.

A spokesperson for the Abu Dhabi police suggested that people are finally starting to realise the dangers associated with using mobile phones whilst at the wheel. It is hoped that this serves as a reminder to the Birmingham public, of the dangers mobile phones present when used inappropriately.

Put your phone down

Leading price comparison website, Confused.com, has recently conducted a survey which aimed to discover how many people use their mobile phones whilst behind the wheel.

The results showed that almost 40% of motorists check their mobile phones whilst at the wheel which leads to an increase in the chance of road accidents.

The interesting point to draw from the survey was that a huge proportion of those who admitted to using their mobile devices whilst at the wheel, were actually using their phones to access their social network profiles on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. A shocking 27% admit to logging on to Facebook whilst driving.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at Confused.com said, “Our research shows that although people are aware of the consequences involved, they struggle to tear themselves away from their mobile phones and social media.”

The survey also indicated that one-fifth of drivers admitted to checking their phones as regularly as every 15 minutes, with 15% admitting to making calls whilst stuck in traffic jams and 21% admitting to making calls whilst being held up at traffic lights.

It is important to remember that it is an offence to use a mobile phone whilst behind the wheel and even more important to note the irreparable damage which could be done as a result of an accident involving a mobile phone.

Birmingham’s Most Dangerous Road

Today’s Birmingham Mail newspaper features an article which highlights the dangers faced by residents of a Birmingham suburb each and every day. The Hussain family live on Birmingham’s most dangerous road.

Living yards from the start of the busy Tyburn Road in Erdington, Mrs Hussain speaks of her concerns as motorists speed off the 50mph Aston Expressway and onto the 40mph road, which is lined with semi-detached houses. This hazardous spot has been the location for a number of accidents, the latest of which injured Mrs Hussain’s neighbour and narrowly missed her 17-year-old daughter.

Having witnessed a number of incidents over the last few years, including several fatal accidents, Mrs Hussain is concerned about the safety of her six children and no-longer lets them play in-front of the house.

The West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme shows that there were a total of 76 accidents on Tyburn Road last year, four of which were fatal, twelve of which resulted in serious injury.

Dean Hussain, Mrs Hussain’s son, believes speed cameras and barriers need to be installed as well as a 20mph zone.

To read the article in full, please click here.

“Road Skill” event a success

On 28 September 2011, Handsworth and Lozells played host to a “Road Skill” event which brought a group of 150 young people together with City College, the West Midlands Fire & Police Services and Birmingham City Council, to raise awareness of road safety issues.

The purpose of the event was to prompt young people into thinking about their attitudes towards road safety and to inspire them into being responsible drivers.

The day featured a mocked-up response to a serious road traffic collision, where the casualties needed cutting out of a vehicle. Onlookers also witnessed the driver being arrested.

Stuart Fisher attended the event and was on-hand to talk to young people about the road accident which left him with speech difficulties and in need of a wheelchair. After watching Stuart's video and after talking to the man himself, the young people were left shocked and moved.

Stuart is always happy to talk to young people about what happened to him and the feedback from the young people has been very positive. Pre and post questionnaires (issued by City College) indicate that the event had a positive turn-around in terms of the students' attitudes - so well done and thanks to everyone involved!

For more information about the “Roads Kill to Road Skill” campaign, why not visit www.brsp.org.uk/roadskill?

Car Care Week

Car Care Week, which runs from the 10th to 17th October, is now upon us, and we’d like to encourage all of our readers to take this opportunity to find out a little more about their vehicles in order to make sure they’re in good working order and are capable of keeping you safe as we head into the winter months.

A recent survey has revealed that almost three quarters of drivers are unable to carry out the most basic of checks such as checking brake fluid and engine coolant levels. Furthermore, 57 percent of drivers don’t know how to change a tyre and 47 percent would be unable to even locate the jack.

By learning a little more about car maintenance, people can become more responsible drivers and the number of accidents which occur are likely to reduce. So, why not look through your car manual this week?

Brake Charity road safety survey

This week, our friends at the road safety charity ‘Brake’, have released figures which relate to research they conducted alongside Leigh Day & Co solicitors. The findings highlight that the majority of the parents of young drivers fear for their son or daughter’s life when they get into a car.

The research shows that a huge 94% of parents are concerned with how their son or daughter behaves when behind the wheel. The data gathered also shows that parents are concerned with the safety of their offspring even when they are a passenger in a friend’s vehicle.

The survey found that 80% of parents would fully support the government should new legislation be introduced to restrict new drivers for the first year after passing their test. Restrictions might include lower drink-drive limits, a night-time curfew or a limit to the number of passengers allowed in their vehicles.

84% of parents would also be willing to take steps which would stop their sons and daughters from taking risks such as speeding, should such products be available ‐ at affordable prices.

Nearly all of the interviewed parents told Brake that they had, at some point, spoken to their children about the importance of safe and legal driving. Despite this, more than 25% of parents believe that their children drive whilst under the influence of alcohol and 41% of them believe that they drive whilst using a mobile device to make calls or text.

During Road Safety Week (21-27 November 2011), Brake will be encouraging the government and the public to get behind the Too Young To Die initiative, which draws attention towards preventable road accidents involving young people.

Get behind the campaign and read more about the survey by visiting their website.

Plans for new driving offence

Plans have been made to introduce a new driving offence to UK law, and this has been welcomed by road safety campaigners across the country. “Causing serious injury by dangerous driving” could result in jail time of up to five years ‐ which more than doubles the current two-year maximum sentence for drivers who seriously injure but do not kill their victims.

Justice secretary Kenneth Clarke announced the plans and also confirmed that the Government had spoke with victims, families, judges, MPs and road safety groups in order to develop the new law.

A spokesperson for Brake, the road safety charity, said, “The new offence finally means that serious injury is recognised within the title of the offence, and is vitally important to victims and their families.”

National Speed Limit Increase

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond announced this week that the Government will raise the national speed limit from 70mph to 80mph within the next 2 years.

The announcement follows shortly after the Department for Transport released the figures relating to road casualties suffered during 2010. They showed that casualties have fallen significantly for the third year in a row (around 17% when comparing 2010 to 2009).

It is said that improved vehicle safety as well as superior road engineering and a decrease in traffic have helped reduce casualties, although such statistics have failed to win the support of road safety initiatives across the country following the announced increase in speed limit.

Kevin Clinton, of RoSPA, feels that those currently exceeding the 70mph limit are likely to exceed the new 80mph limit by the same margin. Road Safety Charity, Brake, also slammed the move.

Whilst the national speed limit increase has created a great debate, most will fully support the Government with their plans to increase the number of 20mph zones. Such zones tend to feature in areas around schools, helping to keep children safe.

Sutton Coldfield school children given road safety lessons

Last week, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Sutton Coldfield, held a series of road safety lessons in a bid to keep its pupils safe whilst on the streets. The event was held shortly after ambulance crews had made desperate appeals in the Birmingham Mail, encouraging parents, drivers and children to be responsible on the roads, following several serious incidents involving youngsters returning to school after the holidays.

In a matter of 24 hours, five school children were injured in the Birmingham area and this lead to an ambulance spokesman making a public announcement which encouraged everyone to be vigilant and to take note of key road safety messages.

The workshops at St Joseph’s saw pupils participate in an interactive assembly, which looked to highlight the dangers of the road as well as educating pupils as to what they can do in order to keep themselves safe whilst they are out and about.

The event was hosted by UK insurer More Than and the Children’s Safety Education Foundation (CSEF) charity.

SatNav users warned to avoid dangerous games

SatNav systems can be a blessing for many drivers, allowing them to find their way from A to B without getting lost or stuck in traffic. Unfortunately, young drivers are risking their lives and the lives of others, by engaging in a ‘beat the clock’ challenge, where they look to trim minutes off their SatNav estimated journey times.

According to a recent study, nearly 75% of motorists aged 18-24 have SatNav devices and 55% of those told the survey that they had at some point tried to arrive at their destination earlier than their SatNav had predicted.

It seems that whilst this dangerous game is most commonly played by young drivers, middle aged drivers as well as some pensioners also put themselves in a deadly game of ‘Human Vs Machine’.

Whilst the percentage of pensioners playing this game is substantially lower than that of young people, efforts should be made to address this problem and warn people of all ages that the game could result in serious injuries and/or fatalities.

Y-Factor Competition Returns!

The Birmingham Road Safety Partnership is pleased to announce that the popular Y-Factor competition will be back for its third year following its success in 2009 and 2010.

The Y-Factor competition is open to all 300 Birmingham Primary Schools and is a chance for students to showcase their singing talents and understanding of road safety issues. It’s important for us all to understand WHY we need to cross the roads safely and HOW to do that.

Last year, Cottesbrooke Junior School won the competition, although Mansfield Green Community School, Alston Primary School, Cherry Orchard Primary School and Heath Mount Primary School were all close runners-up.

Further updates to follow.

Driving & Social Media Don’t Mix

Social media is all the rage these days. Whether you’re young or old, you’ll have heard of Facebook and Twitter, and you’ll probably have an account on at least one of the platforms. Social media has revolutionised the way we communicate but it is essential for us all to remember that there is a time and a place for us to engage with others via social applications.

The advert above cleverly captures how using social media applications whilst you’re behind the wheel can land you in deep water - quite literally. It is dangerous to use mobile devices whilst you are driving and you not only put yourself in danger, but also, other drivers and pedestrians.

James Cracknell: Wear a Helmet

James Cracknell, one of Britain’s most successful atheletes, is supporting a cycle safety campaign by encouraging cyclists to use their heads and wear a helmet.

Last year, James embarked upon a mission to cycle, row, run and swim from one side of the USA to the other. Less than a week into his mission, James was knocked off his bike by the mirror of a passing truck. The impact of the mirror on the back of his head caused James to suffer a contre-coup injury to the frontal lobes of his brain.

James is now back home and whilst his recovery may never be complete, he attributes his survival to the fact he was wearing a helmet.

The Birmingham Road Safety Partnership goes live on Twitter (@bhamroadsafety)

The Birmingham Road Safety Partnership is moving with the times and has actively started using Twitter as a means of communicating with its followers.

The BRSP will be publishing useful statistics relating to road safety and will also be regularly updating followers with the latest road traffic news from across the West Midlands.

It’s hoped that the updates will serve commuters well, providing them with enough notice in order to plan alternate routes or make other travel arrangements.

If you have any road traffic updates of your own, please let us know on Twitter at @bhamroadsafety, and we’ll endeavour to retweet your information.

Reserved for Drunk Drivers.

These three ads are great examples of how to raise awareness to the dangers of drink driving without using shock tactics.

BRSP showcases the best Road Safety Ads from around the world.

Probably the most famous UK campaign for Road Safety was from back in 1975 and the Green Cross Code Man, the immortal lines of “Think, Stop, Look and Listen” are still with us today some 36 years later. The BRSP have collected together with the help of Zulu Creative a selection of the best Road Safety Adverts from around the globe. They demonstrate the serious commitment from all parties in raising awareness of safety on our roads.

Decade of Action: Road safety figures continue to improve

Partnership working is making Birmingham’s roads safer for residents and visitors to Birmingham. The total number of people killed or seriously injured as a result of Road Traffic Collisions on Birmingham roads has fallen by 19% over the last 3 years. This means that over 100 lives have already been saved − which is a phenomenal success for a city the size of Birmingham.

Birmingham has been working extremely hard to improve road safety for all road users. Since the establishment of Birmingham Road Safety Partnership - part of Safer Birmingham Partnership, the number of deaths and serious injuries on Birmingham roads has decreased as a result of the intervention programmes delivered to improve road safety education, enforcement and road networks.

The road safety interventions aim to reduce road traffic collisions in Birmingham and target a range of age groups from primary school children, teenagers to the general public. The success of these interventions has been recognised at a national and local level with a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for the innovative approach to road safety programmes delivered by Birmingham Road Safety Partnership.

Councillor Timothy Huxtable, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Regeneration said “I’m extremely proud of the success we have had in recent years in reducing road fatalities and casualties in Birmingham and praise the work of the Partnership“.

Chief Inspector Chris Edwards, Chair of Birmingham Road Safety Partnership said “Challenges still lie ahead in continuing to reduce road traffic collisions, but we remain committed to keeping Birmingham’s roads safe and will continue to work with our partners to deliver innovative interventions making our city a safer place for our residents and visitors”.

The continuing fall in the number of people killed or seriously injured on Birmingham roads will form part of a bigger worldwide initiative by the United Nations being launched today called ‘Decade of Action’ which aims to prevent 5 million road deaths over the next 10 years.

Notes to editors

1. Please contact Trudi Maybury on telephone 0121 464 6210 or mobile 07827896594 for further information.

2. Safer Birmingham Partnership is a multi-agency partnership that brings together agencies including Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service and others who are all working together for a safer city.

3. Birmingham Road Safety Partnership is a partnership between West Midlands Fire Service, Safer Birmingham Partnership, Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police who all work together to make the city’s roads safer.

4. For a photo opportunity or interview with spokesperson please contact Jasvir Sandhu on 0121 3038727 or mobile 07826873504.

5. Photograph attached of the Road Safety event for teenagers − one of the intervention programmes delivered by Birmingham Road Safety Partnership.

Road Safety week 21 - 27 November 2011

Road Safety week is organised by Brake the road safety charity. It is open to everyone to help promote road safety during this established national awareness event

Brake is encouraging schools, communities, companies and road safety professionals such as emergency services, health workers and local authorities to get involved to help raise awareness of the needless loss of life on our roads.

Every Year, Brake chooses a theme for media events it runs during Road Safety Week and this year, it has chosen 2young2die as its theme; the name of its campaign to stop young people dying and being maimed on roads, in particular in crashes caused by young drivers.

For more information and tips and ideas on getting involved and to complete an online form, go to: www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk

Birmingham Road Safety Figures Improve

For the third year running the Birmingham Road Safety Partnership is pleased to announce further reductions in the numbers of people Killed or Seriously Injured as a result of Road Traffic Collisions across the City of Birmingham. The BRSP will endeavour to ensure that in 2011 we continue this life saving work, with appropriate education, enforcement and engineering

City’s road safety competition wins royal prize

Birmingham Road Safety Partnership has been awarded the prestigious ‘Prince Michael International Road Safety Award’ for the very popular ‘Y Factor’ Competition.

The Royal Awards recognise achievements in road safety and are presented annually, to the most outstanding examples of innovation across the world.
Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards are presented to individuals, companies or organisations in recognition of their outstanding contribution to improving road safety.

The judges found the Y-Factor competition to be very innovative, fun and engaging. The competition is aimed at increasing the understanding of 5-11 year olds on why we need to cross our roads safely and how to do that. Y-Factor is in its second year with plans to make this an annual, citywide competition.

This year, all 300 primary schools in Birmingham were invited to take part and after receiving tens of thousands of votes, Cottesbrooke Junior School were announced as winners of this year’s competition. Visit www.yfactor.org.uk to hear the winning song.

Cllr Ayoub Khan, Cabinet Member for Local Services and Community Safety commented: “I’m extremely proud to support Y-Factor. The competition has been a fun and informative way of raising awareness on road safety and I congratulate Birmingham Road Safety Partnership on receiving this prestigious award.”

CFO Vij Randeniya said “This initiative is a fantastic way of educating young people whilst they are having fun, and I'm sure that the success of this partnership will continue to grow." RoadSafe board member, Nick Barter said, “The reduction in child accidents achieved by this and other initiatives in Birmingham is impressive, and credit is due for attracting the interest of large numbers of children in the area.
Building on the success of TV programmes like the X-Factor is an innovative and exciting approach, well deserving of the award.”

Notes to editors

1. Birmingham Road Safety Partnership is a partnership between West Midlands Fire Service, Safer Birmingham Partnership, Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police who all work together to make the city’s rods safer.

2. Since 1987, the Awards have given public recognition to those who have improved road safety throughout Britain. Now the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards recognise outstanding achievement and innovation worldwide. All winners are invited to meet HRH Prince Michael of Kent at a Gala Presentation, held annually in December. http://www.roadsafetyawards.com/

3. The awards are organised and managed by RoadSafe. http://www.roadsafe.com/

4. Please contact Clare Simpson, Roadsafe, email: csimpson@roadsafe.com or Lindsey Stubbins email: lindsey.stubbins@birmingham.gov.uk or tel: 0121 303 2160.

Uninsured Drivers

Birmingham contains six of the worst 10 regions in the UK for uninsured drivers, research has shown, while the West Midlands is joint fourth worst area in the country for drivers without cover. The MIB said 7% of vehicles in the West Midlands were flagged as being driven illegally because they were uninsured. WMP uses intelligence techniques to ensure maximum enforcement in those areas.

To view the orignal article click here

Birmingham’s Alum Rock Road second worst in England for parking fines

Council traffic wardens handed out a staggering 3,995 fines in just 12 months on Alum Rock Road, in Washwood Heath, according to new figures.

To view the orignal article click here

'Boy racers' targeted in major police operation around Fort Dunlop in Erdington

DANGEROUS “boy racers” were being held to account as part of a major ongoing police operation in Birmingham.

To view the orignal article click here

Green light for £60,000 road scheme

A road safety scheme (Aldridge Road, Old Oscott) that could save the lives of Birmingham schoolchildren has finally been given the go-ahead after years of campaigning by residents, teachers and councillors.

More speed cameras to be switched off

Spending cuts are set to trigger the biggest switch off of speed cameras since the election.

To view the orignal article click here

Overloaded Goods Vehicles

If you own or drive goods vehicles, you should be aware that the maximum load you can carry is restricted to the weight specified on the manufacturers plate. Overloaded goods vehicles cause damage to our roads and adjoining buildings and can be a danger to other road users because steering and braking may be affected.

Trading Standards in conjunction with the Police carry out regular checks on vehicles and if your vehicle is found to be over the specified limit you face possible prosecution, with the chance of gaining a criminal record.

There are a number of public weighbridges in Birmingham, see Trading Standards Weights and Measures for details.

For more information click here

More Than 200 Drivers Arrested Daily During Drink-Drive Campaign

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is disappointed that more than 200 drivers, on average, were arrested each day during the Christmas drink-drive crack-down.

Police forces across England and Wales arrested 6,613 drivers who gave positive breath tests, or who refused or failed to give a test, during the campaign, which ran from December 1, 2010 - January 1, 2011. Of these drivers, 2,117 (32 per cent) were recorded as being under the age of 25.

For more information click here

City youngsters invited to improve their road skills - “ROADS KILL TO ROAD SKILL”

Birmingham Road Safety Partnership, in collaboration with West Midlands Fire Service and Safer Birmingham Partnership, is hosting a free event to provide young people with the opportunity to improve their road skills.

The event, which will be held over three days at New Bingley Hall, Hockley, Birmingham, starts on Tuesday 21 September and runs through to Thursday 23rd.

The event aims to demonstrate the importance of good driving skills, so is predominantly targeting youngsters aged 15 -­ 19, so they can learn about the importance of road safety before taking to the road for the first time.

Chief Inspector Chris Edwards, of the Birmingham Road Safety Partnership said, “According to statistics, drivers aged 17 -­ 22 are most at risk of being involved in a car accident, so it’s vital that we provide them with opportunities to learn good driving techniques”.

The event offers a wide range of practical activities including the opportunity to take part in a driving lesson with a qualified instructor, and a driving and motorbike simulator.

To highlight the risks and consequences of dangerous driving, youngsters will be asked to wear beer goggles and assigned basic tasks to demonstrate how drugs and alcohol reduce response times ­ highlighting the risks and dangers of drink and drug driving.

To reinforce the road safety message, emergency response units will be carrying out a reconstruction of a road traffic collision, demonstrating how drivers and passengers often become trapped in their vehicle and have to be cut out by emergency fire and rescue teams. Injuries commonly sustained by passengers will also be highlighted and practical sessions demonstrating crucial resuscitation techniques will be carried out.

The event is open to school and college students on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday daytime, and anyone interested in attending should speak to their school teacher or tutor, as prior registration is essential.

Members of the public are also invited to attend an exclusive session which will be held on the Wednesday evening from 5 - 8pm. Parents are urged to encourage their teenage sons and daughters to attend.

Andy Cattell of West Midlands Fire Service said, “This is a real one off opportunity to learn skills and techniques which may one day save yours, or a friend or family member’s lives. Our ultimate aim is that youngsters leave the sessions with a sense of determination that they will be a safe driver when they take to the roads in the coming months and years”.

To register your attendance at the event, simply email contact.centre@wmfs.net ensuring your email is marked for the attention of Gary Farley, or phone Jennie Pinkney Jones on 0121 464 7804 for more information.

Notes to editors

1. Please contact Lindsey Stubbins 0121 303 2160 for further information.

2. Safer Birmingham Partnership is a multi-agency partnership that brings together agencies including Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service and others who are all working together for a safer city

Birmingham to target young drivers through partnership with McDonalds

Birmingham Road Safety Partnership is seeking to share the success of the ‘Deadly Mates’ campaign, which was launched in Wales to encourage young drivers to drive carefully.

The campaign is being delivered in conjunction with McDonald’s restaurants, as it is recognised that large numbers of young people who pass their tests drive to the restaurants to meet up and hang out with friends.

The campaign was initially developed following the tragic death of 15 year old Kyle Smith from Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan, who was a passenger in a car being driven by his teenage friend. Kyle was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the vehicle when the driver lost control of the car.

Trudi Maybury of Birmingham Road Safety Partnership said, “This campaign is aimed at getting young drivers to think about the consequences of dangerous driving. New drivers are always at a greater risk due to their limited experience on the road. That, coupled with the desire to impress friends by not wearing seatbelts, speeding and carrying large numbers of passengers only heightens the risks they take.

This is an excellent campaign and we hope by introducing it in Birmingham we will reduce the number of serious accidents which take place involving young drivers - and save lives”.

Road safety crackdown following Tyburn Road fatality

West Midlands Police Force Traffic Unit, in conjunction with Birmingham Road Safety Partnership, has carried out a ‘road stop’ operation to alert drivers to take extra care when travelling on Wood End Road, between Kingsbury Road and Six Ways, Erdington.

The operation was carried out following West Midlands Fire Service’s careful analysis of road safety data, which indicated that there had been at least twenty collisions in the area over the last two years which have left at least one person seriously injured. Whilst the operation was being planned, a further serious collision occurred on Tyburn Road in which a male driver was tragically killed.

The operation, which was carried out on 21 August, led to over 60 successful prosecutions for seat belt and mobile phone offences, two vehicles being seized for no insurance and one driver arrested for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.

Lee Baker, of West Midlands Fire Service said, “The statistical data tells us that this area is a cause for concern. The purpose of this operation was to highlight to individuals that they must take extra care to protect themselves and their passengers. Particular emphasis of this message was placed on those who were found to be driving without seatbelts and/or using their mobile phones whilst driving.”

Chief Inspector Christopher Edwards, Chairman of the Birmingham Road Safety Partnership said, “We are committed to doing everything possible to keep the city’s road networks safe. We monitor collision data carefully and implement all necessary steps to reduce the chances of fatalities and serious collisions occurring. However, if we are to achieve our aim of making Birmingham’s roads safer, we need drivers and their passengers to cooperate and comply with the law”.

View Wood End Road in a larger map

Notes to editors

1. Please contact Lindsey Stubbins 0121 303 2160 for further information.

2. Safer Birmingham Partnership is a multi-agency partnership that brings together agencies including Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service and others who are all working together for a safer city.

Road Safety Partnership calls for drivers to show caution

Birmingham Road Safety Partnership is urging drivers in Birmingham to take care and curb their speed, after it emerged that the city is home to five safety cameras which have caught the highest number of offenders across the West Midlands region.

For safety reasons, the police would not disclose the areas in which the five cameras operate, though it was disclosed that one camera caught 9,541 drivers and a second 2,541.

The Birmingham Road Safety Partnership said, “These statistics show that a tremendous amount of drivers across the West Midlands are continuing to ignore speed limits. We cannot emphasise enough the danger that this places upon themselves, their passengers, other road users and pedestrians.

Safety cameras have featured prominently in the press recently, at a time when funding cuts are placing pressure on all services, the Birmingham Road Safety Partnership wishes to reassure all road users that safety cameras will remain in situ across the region for the time being to protect all road users and save lives.”

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