Road Safety

Fire and Rescue Services are legally required to attend road traffic collisions to provide rescue assistance if it is needed. At Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service we firmly believe that it is better to prevent road traffic collisions than just to respond to them and our staff are uniquely placed to do this – after all, it is they who are often directly exposed to the traumatic consequences of collisions.

Working together to reduce deaths and injuries – Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety

Much of our road safety prevention work is co-ordinated through the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, a multi agency partnership, which is committed to reducing the numbers of deaths and injuries on Lancashire’s roads.

The aim of the partnership is to reduce the deaths and serious injuries on Lancashire’s roads through promoting:

Reduce speed.
Increase the wearing of seatbelts & correct fitting of restraints.
Reduce drink driving.
Reduce drug driving.
Discourage the use of mobile phones whilst driving
Improve public perception of and support for speed cameras.

The Partnership’s goal is to save lives across Lancashire, reduce injury and disability and make Lancashire a safer place in which to walk, ride and drive. By doing this we are contributing to the Government’s 2010 road casualty reduction targets. The priority is to change the behaviour of drivers through education, training and on-going publicity campaigns.

In Lancashire this will mean:

A total of 40 lives saved
580 fewer people seriously injured
760 fewer people slightly injured

The Wasted Lives Programme, delivered by experienced Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety facilitators, is one full day dedicated to challenging new and soon-to-be young drivers’ attitudes to the risks associated with driving. The students will develop a better understanding of the potential consequences of taking risks behind the wheel. It will also improve their ability to assess risks, make the right decisions and accept responsibility for their actions as drivers and passengers. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is becoming increasingly involved in the Wasted Lives Programme and the course can be delivered at fire stations across the county.

For more information about the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety please visit www.safe2travel.co.uk or if you would like to find out about the Wasted Lives Programme, please visit www.wastedlives.co.uk.

Road Safety Advice

Accidents aren’t always the result of recklessness or stupidity and can happen to anyone but you can reduce your chances by slowing down and staying alert.

According to the Government’s road safety campaign, excessive speed is a contributory factor in over 1,000 deaths and over 40,000 injuries every year so stick to the speed limit.

When the sun is shining, the radio is playing loudly or you’re talking to the passenger next to you, it’s easy to be distracted and lose track of your speed. Make sure you check your speedometer regularly – especially when leaving high speed roads.
Think about what makes you speed? Is it keeping up with traffic, overtaking or tailgating? This can help you reduce your speed in future.
If you’re not sure of the speed limit on a road you’re travelling on, look for signs. The sign gives the maximum speed – not the target speed!
If you can’t see a sign, if there are lampposts, assume this means 30 mph until you see a sign that says otherwise.
If children are playing, try not to drive over 20 mph.
When driving at 30 mph, you shouldn’t be in a gear higher than third.
On rural roads, driving at 60 mph can be far too fast – accidents on rural roads can be caused by driving around bends too fast and overtaking in dangerous places.
Slow down when entering villages.
Even driving a small amount above the speed limit can make a difference, especially if you hit a pedestrian.

General road safety tips

Concentrate and drive considerately.
Always leave at least a two second gap between you and the car in front.
Be patient with other drivers – give them time and room. People will make mistakes so be prepared!
Never use your mobile phone when driving – it can distract you and its illegal – if caught you can face three penalty points and a £60 fine.
Never drive if you are tired and if you are driving for a long distance – take a break every two hours.
Never drive if you are ‘under the influence’ of alcohol or illegal drugs.
Always wear a seatbelt.
Only overtake if you’re sure the road is clear and you can do so without breaking the speed limit
Drive more carefully in dangerous road conditions such as snow, heavy rain , ice, fog and glaring sunshine by slowing down, leaving room for the vehicle in front and switching on your headlights if necessary.
Expect to encounter different road users such as cyclists, heavy good vehicles and motorcyclists.
Keep your vehicle safe and road worthy.
Considertaking advanced driver training.

To find out more information about Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s Road Safety Campaigns, please contact Steve Collins on 01772 862545 or email StephenCollins@lancsfirerescue.org.uk