Safer Essex Roads Partnership urges pedestrians to focus on road safety as clocks go back
MORE than 1,000 adult pedestrians have been injured and 40 killed in road traffic collisions across Essex in the last three years.
Of those that resulted in death or serious injury, pedestrians were primarily at fault for 45% of these collisions meaning many of these would have been completely avoidable by following some very basic road safety rules.
The Safer Essex Roads Partnership has responded to these statistics with the launch of a new campaign aiming to increase awareness amongst pedestrians, drivers and riders to tackle avoidable injuries and deaths on our roads.
The ‘Time to Reflect’ campaign is calling on road users to stay aware of all potential hazards and to consider how best to make themselves seen when out and about in the dark. This might be by carrying a torch, wearing reflective clothing or carrying something made of reflective material.
The statistics also revealed that:
· 1,067 pedestrians have been involved in road traffic collisions over the past three years including 40 fatal, 309 serious and 718 slight
· 25% of collisions which caused death or serious injury involved pedestrians or drivers who were in a hurry or acted carelessly/recklessly
· 14% of collisions which caused death or serious injury involved pedestrians impaired by drugs or alcohol
Nicola Foster, Chair of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership: “Both drivers and pedestrians have a crucial role to play in reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.
“With the clocks having gone back on Sunday it becomes even more important that cyclists and pedestrians on their way home make every effort to ensure they can be seen by other road users and that car drivers look out for pedestrians and cyclists.
“It is only by looking out for each other that we will stop the heartbreak that is caused by unnecessary deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”
Cllr Ian Grundy, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Chair of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership Board, said: “Road safety is a priority for us as even one death on our roads is one too many.
“Please take responsibility for your safety on Essex roads – whether you are behind the wheel, cycling on our roads or walking along the pavement. We all have a role to play in making Essex roads safer.”
You can find out more and look at local statistics for your area by visiting the SERP website at www.saferessexroads.org.
