Project Edward 2019

A DAY WITHOUT FATALITIES ON EUROPE’S ROADS is the aim of Project EDWARD each year.

If you were wondering what this is all about, then we can tell you quite simply. Project EDWARD is about bringing people together from across Europe (and beyond) with the common goal of saving lives. This year’s day of action is Thursday 26 September.

The long-term aim is to spearhead significant and sustained reduction in death and serious injury on roads across the world.

Project EDWARD is an innovative way of promoting road safety. The overall aim is to get one ‘European Day Without a Road Death’, it is believed that it is something every individual across Europe, and beyond, can understand and aspire to, and we the Influencing Travel Behavior Team (via @SaferRoadsLeeds) actively support and promote this initiative to help make it a reality.

We will be spreading the word throughout September about how you can play your part in making Zero road deaths a reality. We would like you to get involved and make a Pledge and change your driving behaviour.

We understand that no-one sets out to have a crash, but they happen. And the majority of these crashes are due to us making mistakes either consciously, or unconsciously.

One problem is that we all get complacent and believe it won’t happen to us. We fall into the trap of picking up bad habits. More often than not these bad habits become the norm and then unfortunately they more we get away with these things, the less risk we attach to them and the more we do them.

It’s sad to say but there are some drivers who sometimes knowingly put other road users at risk by speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seat belt, using the phone while driving, using vehicles they have not kept roadworthy, parking their cars on bicycle lanes, blocking pedestrian crossings, not turning on their lights or engaging in risky manoeuvres. These are the behaviors that we want you to address and Pledge to change.

MY ROAD SAFETY PLEDGE

I Promise That I Will:

Remind my family, friends and colleagues to take extra care on the roads.
Put my lights on for safety.
Drive as safely as I can and follow the rules when behind the wheel or riding a motorbike or bicycle.
Be extra vigilant and attentive to the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, children, older people and horse riders.
Drive at speeds that are both legal and safe.
Carry out proper safety checks on my tyres.
Pay particular attention when driving near schools, and where there are lots of children.
Never drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs/medicines that could impair safety.
Look as far ahead as possible and not tailgate other drivers.
Always wear my seat belt and ensure that everyone with me wears theirs.
Not use my mobile phone while driving.
Ensuring I am not distracted by anything inside or outside the car, or inside my head.
Set a good example to my passengers by driving calmly and safely.
If I’m a passenger, make sure that the driver is fit and legal to drive.

These are just some of the things you can do to help make the roads a safer place.

Final thought

Remember, never be embarrassed about asking those you are travelling with to put their seatbelt or put their phone away, or to ask your passengers to stop talking if you are finding it hard to concentrate. The reaction you may get might not always be positive, but at the end of the day YOU as the driver are responsible for keeping your passengers safe.

Take the Project EDWARD pledge now, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

What are we doing?