INTRODUCTION

Between 1981 and 1985 the average number of people killed each year on the roads of England &: Wales was: 5,598. Over that four year period over 15 people every single day died on our roads, that is one person every 96 minutes. To put that figure into perspective, a Boeing 747-400 passenger airliner carries 416 passengers. So it was the same as having a fully loaded jumbo jet crash every 27 days.

With the number of vehicles and cyclists on the roads rising every day, the Government launched a series of road safety campaigns, which together with initiatives run by local councils and schools, were aimed at reducing that figure.

By 2004 the number had been reduced to: 3,221 the lowest figure since records began in 1926. The road death figures for Bedfordshire and Luton mirrored the National trend with 2004 being well under 50% of the 1993 figure.

While the figures have greatly improved we want to see the downward trend in deaths and serious injury on our roads continue to fall and this is something in which we can all play a part.

ROAD SAFETY

One of the team here at BEST Advice was a Police Officer for thirty years and has attended many crash scenes and investigated many road deaths.

Mick Child, the Extended Services Manager said:

"It's tragic to see the aftermath of a serious collision and the effect it can have on people, especially if the victim is a child. The effect on all concerned is simply devastating. The Police no longer use the expression "accident" any more as it implies that no one is to blame, no one is responsible, when all too often someone is. One can only imagine how a parent must feel when they answer the door and see a uniformed Police Officer standing there, and the worst part is when the investigation is over, all too often the cause was avoidable, it need not have happened, that person need not have died."

So what areas of road safety can we examine to make the roads a safer place; to ensure we, and our family, don't become the victims?

Drink Driving

On average 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year in drink drive collisions, and nearly one in six of all deaths on the road involve drivers who are over the legal alcohol limit. Be aware of the facts regarding drinking while driving - and some of the consequences!

Wearing Seat Belts

The compulsory wearing of seat belts saves lives and reduces injuries. It is as simple as that. Read how this simple act when you get in a car can save your life.

Children & Road Safety

Children are never too young to learn about road safety. Whether they are pedestrians, cyclists, car passengers, motorcycle riders or eventually car drivers, as parents we worry about how to keep them safe. Here are a few thoughts from BEST Advice on where to start and where to get some more advice when they are still children.

Children & Car Seats

Every driver who is behind the wheel is responsible for the safety of their passengers, and that is especially true where children are concerned. Best Advice contacted RoSPA, the Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents and the country's leading authority on accident prevention. As the law on children, restraints and seat belts has caused some confusion, they were kind enough to allow us to use part of their website to bring you all the information you will need to make sure your young passengers are safe and that you fully comply with the Law.

Types of Child Car Seats

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have let us use their knowledge and expertise on the different types of car seats you can use and which one is right for a child of a particular weight, age or height. Make full use of it and help keep your child safe when a passenger in your car.

Safe Speed

The old Government road safety slogan "Speed Kills" is still as true as it ever was, and speed plays a part in many fatal accidents. Read some important facts on this aspect of driving on our roads.

Responsible driving

The driver needs to be in good physical condition to drive. Eyes need checking. Do you have a medical condition or regularly take medicine which can affect your fitness to drive? Responsible driving to avoid accidents, stressful situations can help you stay safe on the roads. The irresponsible use of mobile phones is a particular area of concern.

Fatigue & Driving

Fatigue while driving can kill. Tiredness at the wheel can come upon you very suddenly. Guard against the dangers with some common sense guidelines.

Vehicle Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance can prevent an accident or breakdown. You can take some basic steps to keep you car safe and in good condition.

Motorway Breakdowns

There are some simple rules to follow to stay safe in the event of a breakdown or emergency when on a motorway. Use of the hard shoulder is also subject to quite specific laws.

Useful Road Safety Links

Check out some of the many road safety websites. You'll be surprised what information and advice you will find.