November 15 – 21 is Road Safety Week, a campaign inspiring thousands of schools, organisations and communities to take action on road safety and shout out for our right to make safe and healthy journeys every day. 

Why is it important?

According to Brake UK, more than 1.3 million people die on roads every year. Sadly, this includes children, with more than six children killed or seriously injured on roads every day. This means road crashes are one of the leading causes of death for children and young people.

That’s why we’re improving road safety in Leeds, to make the streets safe for everybody. So, what can you do to help?

How to make our roads safer

1. Follow the speed limit and drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions.
   
   Speeding is a factor in many fatal road collisions. Breaking the speed limit increases our risk of crashing and the faster we drive, the more dangerous the crash will be. Following the speed limit reduces the risk of road injuries and helps more people make safe journeys on foot and by bike. Sometimes, especially in poor weather conditions or in darkness, you’ll need to adjust your speed to stay in control of your vehicle.
   
   
2. Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
   
   Drink driving is one of the biggest killers on our roads, with even small amounts of alcohol affecting reaction times and how you judge speed and distance. Driving under the influence of drugs has a similar effect. Make sure you’re sober before you drive. Make an alternative plan for how you’ll get home if you’re going out and planning on drinking.
   
   
3. Focus on driving.
   
   Don’t use your mobile phone while you’re driving as it distracts you from the road. Using a phone behind the wheel is illegal and makes you four times more likely to crash. Leave your phone out of reach so you’re not tempted to check it while driving. Even hands free causes a distraction and takes your focus away from the road.
   
   
4. Make sure everyone in your car is secure.
   
   Seatbelts can’t prevent a collision but they affect the seriousness of the outcome. Make sure adults in the car wear their full seatbelts in the front and the back of the car. Use the correct child seat for any children in the car with you.

Road Safety Week 2021 celebrates the road safety heroes who are working to make roads safer for everyone – from designing safer roads to caring for people after a crash. With that in mind, we’re highlighting two of our very own road safety heroes.

Leeds’ Road Safety Heroes

Harriet

Introducing Harriet, one of our dedicated Road Safety Trainers. Along with Wendy and Amber, she teaches pedestrian safety and scooter skills workshops in schools across Leeds. Watch our Scootember 2021 highlights video to find out more about her valuable work:

Sgt Ian Micklethwaite

Introducing Sgt Ian Micklethwaite, of West Yorkshire Police. Ian prevents dangerous and antisocial driving and promotes road safety. This includes teaching drivers how to pass cyclists at a safe distance.

Nominate your road safety hero by tagging us on social media at @ConnectingLeeds. To learn more about our road safety projects, visit https://connecting-leeds.com/road-safety/