Welcome to Road Safety Wales
4/2/10
The Welsh Assembly Government has published maps showing the location of road traffic casualties in each Local Authority area in Wales. These maps identify where casualties are clustered together and where they are more widely dispersed.
The number of casualty markers may differ from the total number of casualties reported for the following reasons:
- Multiple casualty accidents will just display a single marker for the highest severity casualty.
- Inaccuracies with recorded grid references may not allow the location to be plotted.
The maps cover car occupant casualties, motorcyclist casualties and pedestrian casualties. They show fatalities, and serious and slight casualties; they also show the major roads and settlements in each Local Authority area.
To view click here
3/2/10
THINK! are keen to work with a wide range of partners who can provide valuable support in communicating road safety messages to the public. As part of its commitment to raising awareness of the risks of driving whilst using prescription and over the counter medicines, DfT has developed a pilot partnership with Boots in consultation with a number of organisations including the British Medical Association.
One million leaflets will be distributed through 2,600 Boots stores while medicine bags will be labelled with stickers prompting drivers to check with their doctor or pharmacist that they are safe to drive while taking their medication.
Those taking medicine should follow the instructions properly and continue to take it as directed. Anyone with questions about their medication should contact a health professional for advice.
If the pilot proves to be successful the opportunity could be opened out to pharmacies nationwide. If you are interested in accessing the materials, please email think@23red.com.
More from DfT here
1/02/01
A hard-hitting THINK! campaign reminding drivers of the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seatbelt was launched today by Road Safety Minister Paul Clark.
The £1.3 million campaign shows that if you have a crash without wearing a seat belt you actually experience three crashes, even at everyday speeds like 30mph. First, your car crashes and stops. Second - because there's nothing to stop you moving - your body carries on and hits the inside of the car. Third, you stop but your internal organs keep moving, hitting the inside of your body and can rupture under the force of the impact.
Paul Clark said:
"If you are involved in an accident while not wearing a seatbelt then your body experiences a series of three collisions damaging vital internal organs. This campaign reminds drivers that - no matter how short their journey or how slowly they are driving - they are risking their life if they set off without putting their seatbelt on.
"I hope this campaign will help everyone realise that they need to belt up every time they get in a car."
You are twice as likely to die in a crash if you are not wearing a seat belt and about one life could be saved in Britain each day if everyone always wore a belt.
The THINK! campaign - which includes television, radio, cinema, and outdoor advertising - is based on detailed research into people's seat belt wearing habits which showed that people are less likely to wear seat beats on low speed, short journeys on familiar roads, even though they are still risking their lives in these cases.
The advert is so realistic and graphic it can only be shown after 9pm. An edited version will be used for earlier showings - describing but not showing the damage to internal organs.
26/1/10
Road safety cash totalling over £50k is being ploughed into safety schemes in Swansea in a bid to improve road safety for pedestrians. Swansea Council has successfully bid for the cash as part of the overall funding made available by the Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership.
If approved by Swansea Council's Cabinet, the money will be used to install speed indicator display signs (SIDs) at key sites throughout the city. The SID signs will display information to oncoming motorists in a bid to educate drivers of the speed limits on routes that regularly suffer from vehicles travelling in excess of the local limit.
Permanent signs will be erected at Swansea Road in Llewitha and Gorseinon Road. These will supplement signs that have already been placed on other routes in Swansea over recent years. Additional mobile signs will also be purchased which can be utilised to support speed enforcement programmes throughout Swansea.
Some of the money has already been used to reduce the speed limit on Cwmbach Road which runs between Cockett and Waunarlwydd.
Further funds have been used to install a hi-tech digital speed camera at the junction of Sketty Lane and Mumbles Road. The camera is one of only two in Wales that can monitor motorists who jump red lights as well as monitor the speed of motorists through the junction.
John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said: "The funding is vital to Swansea and will help us address some concerns that communities have with inappropriate speeds.
"I would urge all drivers to drive responsibly and stick to appropriate speed limits - especially near local schools where young children might be crossing roads."
Jim Moore, Manager of the Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership, said: "Our priority as a partnership is to always look to reduce casualties, to educate motorists and to influence drivers behaviour and the SIDs do just that. Feedback from motorists is positive with many commenting that they didn't actually realise they were going over the speed limit until the sign flashed. We will continue to look at and fund engineering initiatives in a bid to drive down speeds on our roads."
25/1/10A unit set up to check commercial vehicles travelling on the roads of north Wales has issued £6,000 worth of fines in its first week. The most common problem was false documents and licences.
One German vehicle, with a Spanish trailer, was found to be carrying chemicals illegally, and two Romanian drivers had false documents. The North Wales Police and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) unit is the first of its type in the country.
It was set up following public concerns about commercial vehicles travelling along the A55 to Holyhead Port.
"Foreign wagons area big concern for the public," said Sgt Ifan Jones, who is responsible for running the unit. He added that 750 trucks each day came through Holyhead Port, with a large number of drivers being forced to drive illegally because of the pressures imposed on them by their bosses, who are suffering because of the state of the economy.
Officers will act on intelligence whenever possible, but also be involved in operations dedicated to specific areas, such as checking taxis and school buses, he added.
"It's all about addressing public concerns," said Sgt Jones.
"Foreign drivers have been highlighted, but we will be targeting all commercial vehicles - and for every 10 wagons we stop there is a fault with at least six of them," he added.
Helen O'Grady from VOSA said the partnership with the police was good because VOSA officers have no powers of arrest or the right to exceed the speed limit.
"This unit now enables us to check more vehicles in a shorter space of time," she added.
Information suggesting that commercial vehicles are flouting the law can be passed to the Commercial Vehicle Unit - contact Sgt Ifan Jones, PC Nick Power, PC Meurig Jones or Helen O’Grady on 101 if in Wales, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).
Alternatively you can text 66767 or e-mail northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk.
22/1/10
More drivers than ever before have been breath tested during the All Wales Christmas Drink Drive campaign. Throughout Wales, almost 55,000 drivers were breath tested by the four Welsh forces in the campaign, which ran from 1st December 2009 to 1st January 2010 - compared to over 36,000 in 2008.
The campaign was launched in Caernarfon by the four Welsh forces and the Welsh Assembly Government, with the support of the families affected by the fatal collision which occurred in Menai Bridge in February 2009.
Out of these 2,936 tests were administered to under-25s which resulted in 38 arrests.
Deputy Chief Constable Ian Shannon said: “It is disappointing that drivers still put their own lives and other road users’ lives at risk, just to have a drink, with over 600 people caught over the drink drive limit throughout Wales during the month-long campaign.
“We will continue to target drink and drug drivers throughout the year. Our enforcement is not seasonal. There has been public support for this approach, and together we can help make our roads safer for all.”
Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “We are determined to do everything we can to make the roads of Wales safer; however we cannot do this alone. We need the support of the public to be able to make a real impact. I urge everyone to play their part – drink drive limits cannot be calculated and the only safe way is for you not to drink and drive.”
21/1/1
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22 - 24 February 2010
Holiday Inn Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon
The Government has proposed that Great Britain adopts a new long-term vision for road safety: 'Making Britain’s roads the safest in the world'. From 2010, Britain will be leaving the current road safety strategy and target period which began in 2000 and entering a new one, with fresh updated priority areas and new ambitious casualty reduction targets.
RoSPA’s Road Safety Congress in 2000 focused on the lessons the UK could learn from how other countries, and international organisations (such as the UN WHO and the EC) tackle death and injury on the road. Our Road Safety Congress 2010 will again explore what we can learn from how other countries address road safety. The programme will include examples of the following from other countries and international organisations:
- National, regional and global road safety strategies
- Case studies from individual countries of innovative road safety practice
- Examples of how some countries have made major road safety improvements in recent years at both national and local level
- Different approaches to those used in the UK
- The work and views of organisations, such as WHO, the UN etc.
Jump to:
Who should attend?
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Programme
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19/1/10 
Pembrokeshire's roads policing unit spent 2009 keeping the roads of the county safe. The Roads Policing Unit caught 141 more people driving whilst using a mobile phone than the previous year, issued 30 more speeding fines and took 385 vehicles off the road for not having the correct documentation.
Pembrokeshire division also increased the number of breath tests it carried out by over 3,000 but 65 less drivers were caught driving while over the legal alcohol limit.
Inspector Andy Phillips said: "Hopefully the message about drink driving is finally getting through.
"However we have seen an increase in other offences such as driving without the correct documents. This can result in your car being seized from it so we urge people to obey by all the laws of the road or there maybe expensive consequences."
The unit along with the Armed Response Unit also detected 181 crimes, arrested 165 people for drug offences and issued 58 cannabis warnings.
Inspector Phillips added: "The RPU and ARV are proactive in their approach and aim to deny criminals use of the roads and keep the roads of the county safe.
"In 2010 we will continue to target those who flout the law."
18/1/10
Residents of Aberaman will have the opportunity to view exciting new road safety plans for their community. An exhibition is being held on Wednesday January 20th from 11am to 7pm at the Apostolic Church in Club Street Aberaman to inform residents of the proposed Aberaman Safe Routes in the Community project.
These works are due to be carried out during the 2010 summer period and will consist of 20 mph zones, speed humps, raised junctions and raised tables at existing pedestrian crossings. They will also include footway works in Gwawr Street and additional waiting restrictions in Club Street, Gwawr Street and at the junctions of Cardiff Road with Curre Street and Abergwawr Street.
These works are a Welsh Assembly Government initiative, organized by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, to promote a safer community and encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care, said: “The proposed works will bring important road safety improvements in this part of Aberaman and residents have the opportunity to see for themselves what is involved at the public exhibition we have arranged.”
14/1/10
After weeks of travelling in snow and ice, drivers are being warned about foggy conditions predicted in some parts of the country today and tomorrow.
When visibility is reduced, an accident involving one vehicle can quickly involve many others, especially if they are driving too fast and too close to one another. Previous multiple-vehicle pile-ups demonstrate that many drivers do not adjust their driving sufficiently for the conditions.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA’s head of road safety, said: “The ability to see and to hear clearly is vital for drivers. Fog is the most potentially dangerous of all weather conditions. Freezing fog - when poor visibility is compounded by the road surface being slippery - is a driver's worst nightmare.
“Drivers should follow weather forecasts and general advice about driving conditions, and should avoid driving in fog unless absolutely necessary.
“If you must drive in fog, allow plenty of extra time for your journey. Before setting out, check that your car is in good working order, particularly that all the lights, including fog lights, work.
“Reduce your speed and keep your distance from the vehicle in front. You should always be able to stop in the distance you can see in front of you. If the fog closes in, lose more speed.”
- Switch on headlights and fog lamps if visibility is reduced
- If you can see the vehicles to your rear, the drivers behind will be able to see you - switch off your rear fog lamps to avoid dazzling them. Think of them as rear main beams
- Use the demister and windscreen wipers. Remember that fog also makes the road wet and slippery
- Do not “hang on” to the rear lights of the car in front as you will be too close to be able to brake safely
- Switch off distracting noise and open the window slightly so that you can listen for other traffic, especially at crossroads and junctions
- Beware of speeding up as soon as visibility improves slightly. In patchy fog you could find yourself “driving blind” again only moments later. Always imagine that there is a broken down vehicle just on the other side of the fog bank.
- If you break down in fog, inform the police and get the vehicle off the road as soon as possible. If possible, avoid parking on the road in fog and never leave a vehicle without warning lights of some kind if it is on the wrong side of the road.
See www.rospa.com/drivertraining/winter/ for more winter driving tips from RoSPA.
11/1/10
A group of schoolchildren has hit the ice at Swansea's Waterfront Winterland in the name of road safety. The year one schoolchildren from Llangyfelach Primary School were the lucky winners of a road safety colouring competition organised by Swansea Council's Road Safety Team.
The competition was organised as part of the Assembly-funded Kerbcraft initiative which provides practical road safety education to children between five and seven years old.
The prize for the competition winners was VIP treatment at Rocky's Ice Rink alongside Rocky the Road Safety Rooster.
Mike Flynn, Head Teacher at Llangyfelach Primary School, said: "The children had a wonderful day and really enjoyed themselves with Rocky.
"We've had a Kerbcraft coordinator at our school for five years who has helped to pass on vital road safety messages to the children.
"It's a very valuable scheme which will help provide the children with all the skills they need to enable them to keep safe on roads."
The Council is hoping more people will volunteer their services to help deliver Kerbcraft in schools throughout Swansea.
Carys Price, Swansea Council's Child Pedestrian Training Coordinator, said: "Kerbcraft is a really important initiative and we would like to offer it to every school in the city.
"The scheme depends on the help of volunteers and, without their assistance, we would not be able to deliver Kerbcraft training to all our young children."
If you think you can help contact Carys Price or Lindsey Hill on (01792) 636142.
11/1/10
A new, hard-hitting road safety theatre production has been shown in a number of Flintshire schools.
Walking Forward Theatre Company’s play, Wasted, is aimed at Year 11 pupils and is funded through Flintshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit and the Welsh Assembly Government.
The powerful and ground breaking drama explores the issues of drug driving. It addresses some of the moral issues linked to driving under the influence of drugs.
Frankie, Jay and Andy are three friends in the prime of their youth. Clubbing, football and hanging out with the girls are just a few of their favourite hobbies, so when Frankie’s girlfriend Stacey and her best friend Lucy agree to join the boys for one of their ‘big nights out’, arrangements are made to guarantee a good night is had by all.
Everything is set for a Friday night to remember but their evening soon takes a tragic turn when Andy crashes his car. In the aftermath friendships are tested and questions asked as the group struggle to deal with the consequences of an accident that should never have happened.
Flintshire County Council’s executive member for Environment, Councillor Tony Sharps, said: “We hope that the powerful message of this play will really hit home to the young people of Flintshire.”
For further information visit www.walkingforward.co.uk
7/1/10
The continuing high standards achieved by Vale of Glamorgan Council School Crossing Patrols (SCPs) have once again been recognised at their annual awards ceremony held in Barry, which also included, for the first time, the volunteers involved with the child pedestrian training scheme Kerbcraft in Vale Primary Schools.
Everyone, whether acting in a paid or voluntary role, was thanked for their dedication and commitment to Road Safety and commended on their professionalism and enthusiasm in helping ensure that children and adults alike are provided with safe crossing points throughout the Vale and are given the skills to ensure that they remain safe whilst they are out and about on today’s roads.
Rob Thomas, Head of Planning and Transportation, paid tribute to the ‘lollipop’ ladies & gentlemen of the Vale for ‘carrying out their duties with an enviable disposition and a cheery smile’……’with signs held high and brightly coloured coats you are superb representatives of the Council and a welcoming sight to pedestrians….’
He also thanked the Kerbcraft volunteers who have freely given up their time over the past 7 years, put on their yellow jackets and walked with over 3,000 children out and about on the streets outside their schools teaching them how to remain safe.
Several awards were then presented to those School Crossing Patrols and Kerbcraft volunteers, whose efforts were particularly appreciated over the past twelve months:
Llantwit Major, St Athan & Rhws – Val Western – from the Porthkerry Road post near Rhws Primary School after many years outside Holton Primary School, she is set to retire in the New Year after nearly 20 years service.
Barry West (Buttrills, High Street & Romilly areas) – Tony Masters – over 3 years as a patrol, but has already made a big impression on Port Road and especially outside Ysgol Sant Curig which he is temporarily covering.
Barry East (Cadoxton, Colcot & Holton areas) – Sandra Riggott – with 6 years under her belt, she is very popular with the residents on Winston Road and the children attending Colcot Primary School.
Penarth, Sully & Dinas Powys – Michael Campbell-Jones – only 20 months in post on Lavernock Road, but already has great attention to detail in helping the pupils of Evenlode Primary School, amongst others, cross this busy stretch.
Two firsts – the first time that 2 Officers have jointly won the award and the first time that the top award has ever been retained in its’ 23-year history!!
The famous SCP Shield was presented to Alison Richardson, 2008’s Winner and Lynne Hughes, with over 31 years of service, who both patrol outside Eagleswell Primary School in Llantwit Major.
They have made a magnificent contribution to Road Safety both inside and outside the school, and are well-known and well-loved by children, parents and staff alike!! The two ladies have been very innovative and have worked with Eagleswell to recognise, acknowledge and promote the good behaviour of pupils crossing with them and to encourage more to walk to their school by awarding ‘house points’.
(N.B. It is interesting to note that this is the fourth time in five years that the School Crossing Patrol of the Year Award has gone to Llantwit Major. Sheila Allen (St Illtyd) won the title in 2005, Alex Daw (Ham Lane) won it in 2007 & Alison Richardson (Eagleswell) for her first time in 2008. Is there something in the air (or on the roads ?!) down Llantwit-way…???!!)
For Kerbcraft, the first-time winners were:
Johanna Hopkins, a former teacher who has been volunteering since Kerbcraft began 7 years ago. In her ‘spare time’ she enjoys bowls and golf (where she is Lady Captain at Brynhill this year !!) as well as being a governor at Rhws Primary School where she helps with the child pedestrian training.
Johanna Jones, a lady who has also been there since the beginning at Peterston-Super-Ely Primary School, where she has also assisted with the Gardening Club and numerous other projects. She has followed her twin grandchildren right through the school, and despite the fact that they have both moved on to secondary education, she stills lends a helping hand (or two) every week to the child pedestrian training.
After a DVD presentation of Anti-Drink Drive films produced by pupils of Barry Comprehensive and Bryn Hafren Schools, a light-hearted interactive quiz and buffet followed, which was hosted by the Vale of Glamorgan Council Road Safety Team.
If anyone is interested in becoming a School Crossing Patrol Officer, there are currently vacancies in Barry, St Athan & Cowbridge.
The rate of pay is £6.38 per hour with a half pay retainer paid during school holidays. Working hours are up to 2 hours per day/10 hours per week.
For further information please contact Karen Stokes in the Vale of Glamorgan Council Road Safety Unit or ring Contact OneVale on 01446 700111 for an application pack.
If you would like to volunteer to help the Kerbcraft Scheme in local primary schools, please contact Jayne Jenkins on the above number.
Who knows next year – YOU may be part of the Annual Awards Presentation …??!!
7/1/10
Welsh Police Forces are reminding motorists to take precautions when driving on icy or snow covered roads.
With the current low temperatures, motorists are urged to be alert and to drive according to the conditions during the winter conditions.
Follow these simple tips to help keep yourselves and other road users safe:
• Check that your car is up to the journey, tyres are correctly inflated and in good condition, and that your lights are clean and working properly. Be seen and be safe.
• Ensure anti-freeze has been added to the radiator and make sure you have sufficient windscreen washer fluid.
• Tell a friend or relative where you are going.
• Take a spade, flask of hot drink, torch, mobile phone (fully charged or with charger), blanket and appropriate outdoor clothing.
• Slow down on icy or snowy roads and leave a greater distance between you and the car in front.
• Allow extra time for your journey.
• Ensure your petrol or diesel tank is sufficiently full.
• Check your route with organisations such as RAC Travel and AA Road-watch, and tune into local radio before you set out.
• Use your mobile phone if you need to access the emergency services for help.
18/12/09
Road safety champions in Swansea have been given a special Christmas thank you by Swansea Council. The volunteers on the Assembly-funded Kerbcraft road safety initiative are being treated to Christmas lunch as a reward for their hard work and dedication during the year.
The Council's Road Safety Team coordinates the scheme and relies on volunteers to go into primary schools and help children between the ages of five and seven learn all about road safety.
Kingsley McCarthy from Manselton has been helping out by teaching road safety in three primary schools for the last six years.
Kingsley, 73, said: "Kerbcraft is such a vital and worthwhile scheme. This is one of the ways in which we can help reduce the number of accidents on our roads involving children.
"My grandson James volunteered my services a few years ago and I've never looked back.
"We have a really fun time with the children and they all seem to enjoy themselves. We even have a special road safety song which we get the children to sing at the end of the lesson.
"I really hope more people will put themselves forward as volunteers because we need to keep the scheme running."
John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said: "I personally want to thank the volunteers for their assistance because it's helped us to deliver road safety education to children throughout Swansea. Without their efforts, we would not be able to run the scheme.
"We're committed to creating safe environments in communities and especially near schools. Kerbcraft training complements these physical measures and ensures our children are safe on the roads."
To volunteer for Kerbcraft and help children be safe on our roads contact Carys Price or Lindsey Hill on 01792 636142.
18/12/09
A schoolgirl from Porthcawl has won a competition for an anti-drink driving poster for the Christmas and New Year season.
Ten year old Megan Perrin will see her poster appear on local First Cymru buses after she won a competition organised by Bridgend County Borough Council’s Road Safety team. Featuring the message ‘Be full of Christmas cheer, not full of Christmas beer!’, the poster highlights the dangers of drinking and driving, especially over the festive period, and will be seen all over the county borough.
Local schools were invited to take part in the competition, which was organised by the Road Safety team as one of several initiatives designed to promote greater road safety in Bridgend County Borough.
Statistics have indicated that 10,749 drivers were breath tested by the police throughout Wales during their month-long Christmas campaign last year.
16/12/09
2611 people in Wales put their lives at risk by choosing not to wear a seatbelt during this year’s All Wales Seatbelt Campaign.
The 2-week campaign led by Gwent Police, ran from 7 - 20 September and involved South Wales Police, Dyfed Powys Police and North Wales Police. The campaign focussed on education and enforcement.
The educational phase, launched on August 25, gave emergency services the opportunity to raise awareness of the possible consequences of not wearing a seatbelt and the double in price of the fixed penalty notice from £30 to £60.
By force region, the numbers of drivers and passengers issued with a fixed penalty notices for not wearing a seatbelts are:
Overall, 27% (698) of those drivers and passengers were under the age of 25.
Chief Inspector of Roads Policing at Gwent Police, John Pavett said:
“It is disappointing to see that this many people are still choosing to risk their lives and the lives of others by not wearing a seatbelt despite the awareness and education given to drivers and passengers in Wales. We place a strong focus on both education and enforcement during these campaigns and targeted police patrols ensure offenders are caught and penalised.
The overall number of people caught not wearing a seatbelt is lower than last year but no where near what we would like it to be.
It won’t come as a surprise to people to know that a significant number of drivers or passengers killed in road traffic collisions are found to have not worn a seatbelt. It is incomprehensible that people are not learning from these tragedies.
This particular campaign may have come to an end but we will continue to take a pro-active approach all year round to educate motorists and enforce seatbelt laws.”
14/12/09
Glyncorrwg Primary School in the Afan Valley has picked up a trophy in a competition for the highest number of pupils who walked to school during International Walk to School Month in October. They reached a massive 83%.
They were closely followed by last year's winners, Coed Hirwaun Primary in Margam who reached a very respectable 82%.
The road safety team at Neath Port Talbot Council ran the annual competition and over 2000 pupils joined in the campaign to encourage as many pupils as possible to walk to school and try to scoop the top prize.
Every day the numbers walking were recorded and converted to a percentage of the numbers on roll, with the winning school receiving a trophy for their school.
At a ceremony winners and runners up were presented with their awards.
Praising the efforts of pupils, Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said, "I am delighted with the support shown by schools across the county borough.An immense amount of pupils took part in such a worthwhile event.I would like to congratulate everyone who joined in the campaign for making such a fantastic effort."
10/12/09
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Road Safety section have joined forces with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service based at Merthyr Tydfil Fire Station to provide cycle instruction to National standards levels 1, 2 and 3, which has replaced the outdated cycling proficiency award.
Level 1 is for groups of up to 12 and is non traffic based training ie at a leisure centre or school playground etc, level 2 is for groups up to 6 and is all road based ensuring the candidates can carry out all essential manoeuvres to enjoy day to day cycling and level 3 is one to one tuition for total beginners or individuals, who would like to cycle more for health reasons or commute more confidently to their place of work.
Although a cycling national standards scheme level 1 and 2 was introduced into the primary schools in the authority 3 years ago, this is the first time the scheme will be delivered by MTCBC in partnership with an agency based inside the County Borough. Firefighter Aeden O’Neill and Crew Manager Adrian Thomas both serving members at Merthyr Tydfil Fire Station have become fully qualified national standards cycle instructors and will launch this new initiative at Mount Pleasant Primary School and Dowlais Primary School.
Station Manager Nigel Williams says, “We are always happy to participate in partnership activities within the borough which improve the safety of the general public. I would like to personally thank Jill Harper, Merthyr’s Road Safety Officer for supporting us in this venture, which I am confident will improve our children’s road safety”. Other schools in the authority will be given an opportunity to take part in this scheme in the New Year.
For further Information contact the MTCBC Road Safety Section on 01685 726286.
10/12/09
Having just one or two drinks can impair your ability to drive - remember you don't have to be drunk to be a drink driver.
The drink drive campaign is running across Wales, supported by the Police who will be out in force over the festive season stopping suspected drink drivers. If you're a motorist do not drink and drive this Christmas, or risk the consequences of being caught.
A drink drive conviction can ruin your life.
By having a drink or two then driving you run the risk of:
- Not be able to drive for a year, or even losing your driving licence
- Getting a hefty fine
- Getting a criminal record, or face imprisonment
- Living with the social stigma of being branded a drink driver
- Experiencing lifestyle pressures such as being unable to use your car, losing your job or experiencing relationship difficulties.
- Worst case scenario - you could even kill or injure yourself, your passengers or others.
So, when you're offered another drink, think first. If you keep drinking then leave the car and take a taxi, bus, train or organise a lift.
For help making travel plans visit the traveline Cymru website
For more information visit the Think! Campaign website
9/12/09
The latest National Statistics about young drivers (aged under 25) and road accidents produced by the Welsh Assembly Government were released on 8 December 2009 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
Statistics on young drivers and road accidents include data for Wales for the period up to the year 2008. This is not a regularly updated release which looks at the extent to which young drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than older drivers. It also looks at the types of accidents that involve young drivers and whether or not these differ from the types of accidents that involve older drivers.
Statistical Bulletin 76/2009 (PDF 419kB)
The key points from the latest release include:
- Young drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident than older drivers.
- Are more likely to be involved in certain types of accident than older drivers.
- But are not more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious accident, as compared with a slight accident than older drivers.
- Young men are more likely to be involved in an accident than young women, but not to any greater extent than the general tendency of men to be more involved in accidents.
- Road safety is improving for older drivers; it is not improving, to the same extent, for young drivers.
- More 18 and 19 year olds are involved in accidents than other single year age group of young drivers and their involvement in accidents is increasing.
- The Valley authorities and Isle of Anglesey are relative ‘hot spots’ for young drivers’ involvement in accidents.
- Lastly, if a young driver is involved in an accident, then it is less likely to be a fatal or serious accident in more urban local authority areas; more likely to be a fatal or serious accident in more rural local authorities.
7/12/09
A teenager left paralysed after a drink-drive crash that killed three of her friends has spoken for the first time of how the accident ruined her life. Stacey Williams, 17, was the only passenger to survive when the car she was in smashed into a tree, killing her best friend and two other teenagers.
Speaking from her bed at a spinal injuries unit where she’s spent the last nine months, Stacey, from Bangor, said the crash had ended her dream to join the Army. She is paralysed from the waist down, and only has limited movement of her head and arms.
In an emotional first interview she described the moments before the crash. “I remember screaming at my friend to put her seatbelt on,” she said.
“I was screaming at him (Richard Brown) to stop, to slow down, but he wasn’t listening. I had to hide my face because it was horrible.”
Emergency crews found a scene of “horror and carnage” after February’s crash on the A5 in Menai Bridge, but Stacey does not remember many more details about the accident. She was rushed to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor and later transferred to Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool.
The teenager can’t accept her best friend Elin Rowlands, 15, also from Bangor died when Brown drove at high speed while almost twice over the drink-drive limit. Rebecca Lee, 18, from Bangor and Clifford Jones, 17, from Malltraeth, were also killed.
“I woke up and remember asking why my best friend (Elin) had not been to see me,” she said.
“When I was told she was dead I didn’t believe it. I still don’t believe it to this day. I want to go to Wales to see the graves because in my head I don’t believe they are dead.”
She added: “Everything I’d hoped and wished for, everything I wanted to do, can’t happen now, it’s ruined. My dream was to go into the Army to help people who can’t help themselves. I was going to sign up for 14 years but not any more.”
After being treated in Alder Hey she was transferred to the spinal injuries unit at Southport Hospital. Her family have been constantly at her side.
Dad Kevin described Stacey as an “active, friendly and very fit” girl. Sitting beside his daughter in hospital Mr Williams said: “She was over protective towards her friends and especially her family. This is unbelievable, it’s changed everything.”
Now Stacey, of Trem Elidir, wants schools to teach youngsters how to recognise a drunk or drugged person.
In a hard hitting video, which launched this year's All Wales Anti Drink Drive Campaign, she and her father talk about the effect the collision has had on their lives.
She warns other teenagers: “He (Brown) didn’t act drunk to me, he wasn’t falling over, he looked fine. If not I wouldn’t have gone into the car with him, no way.”
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Ian Shannon said: “There will be a robust approach both before and after Christmas. If you break the law and drive over the limit you not only run the risk of disqualification and a criminal prosecution, you also risk your own life as well as the lives of others.
“We are determined to do everything we can to make the roads safer. We need the support of the public to be able to make a real impact.”
Last year, 10,749 drivers were breath tested in the month-long campaign and 142 were arrested.
Drink drive killer Richard Brown was “showing off” and behaving “recklessly” in the lead up to the crash, a judge said as he jailed him in June.
The 24-year-old of Chapel Street, Newborough, was locked up for 10 years and banned from driving for 12 years after admitting three charges of causing death by dangerous driving and one of drink driving.
Before the fatal crash witnesses saw Brown pass them at an estimated 80 to 90mph in a 60mph zone just before his Citroen went out of control, knocking down two trees on February 28. Tests showed Brown was almost twice the alcohol limit. Mr Justice Davis said he’d driven with indifference about the safety of his passengers.
It emerged Brown had been seriously injured in a previous car crash that nearly killed him in September 2006, and afterwards bought his Citroen with a motability grant. But he didn’t tell the DVLA about his disabling injuries, or that he suffered from epilepsy. If he had, restrictions on the car Brown could drive may have been imposed.
Click here to view Stacey's story on YouTube.
7/12/09
To promote the anti drinking and driving message, schools and youth organisations were invited to devise, perform and record a live action multimedia presentation to warn people of the dangers and/or consequences of drinking and driving.
In this, the second year of the Multimedia Anti Drink Drive Competition, four regional winners were presented with a prize of £500 for the school/organisation they represented and additional prizes given to individual team members. Two Highly Commended awards were also made at the All Wales Anti Drink Drive Launch at the Celtic Royal Hote, Caernarfon, on Thurday 3 December.
| Yale College, Wrexham |
| Bonymaen Project, Swansea |
| Amman Valley School, Carmarthenshire |
| Abertillery Comprehensive, Blaenau Gwent |
| Trecastle Young Farmers' Club, Powys |
| Nathan Lloyd Jones, Gwynedd |
Video clips will be uploaded to this site in due course.
7/12/09
“Sharing good practice in cycle training.”
Llandrindod Wells Powys - click here for venue information
Cycle instructors, training providers, scheme organisers and managers are invited to attend Wales’ first cycle training conference. The combination of speakers, workshops, stands and networking opportunities promise to afford all those involved in cycle training the chance to share good practice.
The venue is a 5 minute walk from the train station and the Conference program will be set to accommodate those travelling by train. For those wishing to travel up the day before CTC will provide details of accommodation and additional workshops shortly.
Booking and program details will be made available in the New Year but if you have any enquiries in the meantime please contact;
Gwenda Owen Cycle Training Development Officer – Wales
gwenda.owen@ctc.org.uk
mobile 07825 081097 tel 029 20750 301
CTC c/o RoSPA 2 Cwrt y Parc Llanishen Cardiff CF14 5GH
7/12/09
As it’s unlikely to be Santa delivering everyone home safely this Christmas, there are probably some very kind-hearted mates out there offering to be the designated driver.
As a thank you for being the friend everyone needs, Coca-Cola are treating the designated drivers out there to a free Coke when they buy the first.
Find your nearest participating pub here
graphic film highlighting the dangers of texting whilst driving has been shown to students at Coleg
7/12/09
A graphic film highlighting the dangers of texting whilst driving has been shown to students at Coleg Gwent's City of Newport Campus.
PCSO Deke Williams of Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team, who is based at the campus in Nash, decided to screen the Cow film to the students during their Road Safety Week. Hundreds of students aged between 15 and 60 turned up to watch the widely acclaimed film, which has received millions of viewers on YouTube and was shown on BBC Two Wales last month.
Cow, which stars young actors from south Wales, shows a teenager killing four people in a collision when she uses her mobile phone to send a text. Brynmawr filmmaker Peter Watkins-Hughes produced it for Gwent Police as an educational tool for young motorists.
“After watching Cow myself and being affected by it, I thought it would be a good idea for the students here to see it,” said PCSO Williams.“These film screenings are part of the ongoing partnership between Gwent Police and Coleg Gwent and will hopefully educate drivers of all ages about the dangers of using mobile devices whilst driving. The film has gained global attention because it is very realistic and uses such strong imagery to grab people’s attention. People of all ages really relate to it and many students spoke to me afterwards and said they would never even think about texting while driving again.”
Temporary Head of Learner Services at City of Newport Campus, Ann Johns, said:
"Road Safety Week was a good opportunity to raise awareness of the hazards and dangers on the roads and highlight ways to stay safe. The students found the opportunity to ask PCSO Williams about road safety really useful. They showed a very enthusiastic response to the Cow film which will certainly have a lasting impact on their attitude to staying safe on the road.”
1/12/09
The latest National Statistics on Road Casualties: Drinking and Driving produced by the Welsh Assembly Government were released on 1 December 2009 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
Statistics on Road Casualties: Drinking and Driving include data for Wales for the period up to the end of December 2008.
Statistical Bulletin 72/2009 (PDF 356kB)
There is a reasonable level of agreement between sources of information about drink driving and accidents. These suggest that drivers with blood alcohol levels above the legal limit for driving (currently 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood) were involved in a significant minority of accidents. The available estimates suggest that one of more drivers over the drink-drive limit were involved in around:
- 1 in 7 fatal accidents in Wales; other figures go as high as 1in 6;
- 1 in 14 serious accidents in Wales; other figures go as high as 1 in 11; and
- A range of between 1 in 14 or 1 in 25 slight accidents.
Other information about drink driving suggests that:
- Drivers over the drink-drive limit were involved in collisions that resulted in 1 out of every 11 of all the people who were killed or seriously injured on the roads;
- Over a quarter of car drivers killed in traffic collisions were over the drink-drive limit;
- However no motorcycle riders killed were over the drink drive limit; and
- There were 149 accidents in 2008 where the reporting police officer considered that a pedestrian(s) being ‘impaired by alcohol’ was a contributory factor to that accident.
Drug driving
- For every ten accidents where the driver was impaired by alcohol, there was around 1 accident where he/she was ‘impaired by drugs’, both illegal and medicinal.
Breath tests of drivers taken after accidents show:
- No marked seasonal pattern in casualties over a year arising from accidents where one or more of the drivers involved tested positive;
- More drivers in accidents test positive on the weekend rather than a weekday, and that they are more likely to test positive after traditional working hours, between 16:00 to 04:00; and
- There is some clustering of drink driving in Wales.
25/11/09
A school crossing patroller who has also brightened up a primary school with his murals has been named the best in Wales. Barry Glover also acts as a lunchtime supervisor, helps out on school trips and ran an after school art class at Whitland School in Carmarthenshire.
The 73-year-old was nominated by pupils who also staged a special assembly in his honour to mark his award.They posted handwritten nomination forms for Mr Glover and used artwork and posters to show their support.
Mr Glover said he first began working at the school about 10 years ago as a lunchtime supervisor and helping with odd jobs. Then when the school crossing patrol retired he took on that role as well.
"I really enjoy being down there - it's a great job," he added.
"I like the interaction with the children."
His murals can be found on walls inside around the school and he said he enjoyed sharing his love of art with the pupils.
He will now represent Wales in the UK final of the Kwik Fit Insurance Lollipop Person of the Year awards with a holiday and £3,000 to spend on school equipment up for grabs.
Head Teacher Ann Humphries said: "Barry is a really important part of our school and we're absolutely delighted that he's been chosen."
Rhys John, School Crossing Patrol Supervisor, Carmarthenshire County Council added, "Barrie takes his role very seriously and the safety of the children is paramount. He undertakes his responsibilities diligently and it is very reassuring to all in the school that the children are in safe hands"
24/11/09 
Following on from the huge success of last year, the three Fire and Rescue Services and Police Forces in Wales will be teaming up again this year to take serious action to educate the public about road safety through ‘Operation Options’ - a week long road safety effort taking place between 23rd – 27th November.
During Road Safety Week, which is co-ordinated by Brake the road safety charity, Operation Options will be used to educate the public on how small changes to their driving can keep themselves and others alive.
Police officers will be positioned outside Fire Stations in towns and cities that statistically have some of the highest levels of Road Traffic Collisions in Wales. These police officers will then stop any drivers who are observed not to be wearing seatbelts and offer them a choice:
Option 1: The offender can agree to pay the fixed penalty fine or
Option 2: The offender can attend the Fire Station and watch a ten minute presentation on the devastating consequences of not wearing a seatbelt.
In South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s area, 171 motorists were stopped by police officers outside seven different Fire Stations during Road Safety Week (2008).
All those stopped were not wearing a seatbelt, while driving or a passenger not wearing a seatbelt.
When given the option, just three people opted for the fine and 168 people preferred to come through the doors of the Fire Stations and watch a hard-hitting, 10-15 minute presentation.
100% of those who attended the presentations said they would tell others about it and 98% said it had changed their perception of the dangers of driving without a seatbelt.
In the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service areas, the following Fire Stations were targeted:
Merthyr Tydfil, Tonypandy, Cardiff Central and Barry (South Wales Police area) which resulted in 90 offenders being stopped by police.
Caerphilly, Abercarn and Ebbw Vale (Gwent Police area) which resulted in 78 offenders being stopped by police.
Group Manager Rob Morris, Head of Road Safety for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said,
The week proved to be a huge success in getting through to some very at-risk motorists who were not wearing seatbelts whilst driving.
It’s very encouraging that 100% of offenders felt that this campaign was worthwhile and a greater deterrent than the enforcement approach and would also influence their behaviour in the long term.
Due to last year's success, the three Fire and Rescue Services and four Police Services will be teaming up again this year to educate the public about road safety via ‘Operation Options’.
On average 75% of those who took part in the presentation were male and 65% were aged over 25.
Road Safety Manager for South Wales Police, Wayne Tucker said,
Last year Road Safety Week proved to be a great success in Wales and shows how education can be just as effective, if not more effective, than enforcement.
We hope the drivers who watch the hard-hitting video this year, will pass the message onto their friends and family that wearing a seatbelt will save your life.
When stopping the offending drivers, police officers were not surprised to hear the age-old excuses, which ranged from “I forgot” to “I’m having a bad day! After all the campaigning and publicity, there are no excuses left.
The truth is that when you get into a car, you’re responsible for a potentially lethal weapon. Do not put yourself, your passengers and other road users’ safety into jeopardy.
Sergeant Martin Wilce, Gwent Police Collision Investigation Unit said;
Last year we were encouraged by the fact that nearly all the motorists who were stopped and chose to watch the presentation changed their perception about how important it is to take simple road safety measures such as wearing a seatbelt.
However, it is still very concerning that people are still choosing to risk their own safety when behind the wheel as well as that of their passengers and other road users.
23/11/09
The concert for this year’s Road Safety Music Challenge Final took place at The Blake Theatre, Monmouth on 9th November. Five Comprehensive Schools were represented from Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Monmouthshire. The competing bands and soloist performed their compositions to a very high standard on an Anti Drink-Drive theme with the audience responding enthusiastically.
The winners were decided by a panel of three judges, all with excellent knowledge and experience of music and interpretation of a message. The judges were Polly James from Nation Radio, Steve Baker from RoSPA and St John Diston from Gwent Music.
The winning bands were:
Lewis School Pengam, who won £250
Abertillery Comprehensive, who won £150
Nantyglo Comprehensive, who won £100
The prizes were presented by Chief Superintendent Kevin Price of Heddlu Gwent Police who said, “The high standard and amount of effort put in by these young people is very impressive. They are promoting an important message. For many years we have tried a range of strategies to get the anti drink drive message over. Music is a powerful medium and these musicians are in a position to influence their peer group, families and the wider community. They are our future and I seek their support in getting over this important message.”
The event was attended by dignitaries from all over Gwent. Cllr John Evans, Mayor of Caerphilly CBC said, “The standards shown by the students this evening have been absolutely superb. I am glad that I’m not one of the judges as choosing the winner will be very difficult!” He was delighted to find later that the winning band came from a Caerphilly school.
Also in the audience were teachers, parents and friends who all supported the pupils taking part by getting into the spirit of the event.
The winning band will have the opportunity to record their song at a commercial recording studio. It will also be used as the basis of an advertisement on Nation Radio to promote the All Wales Anti Drink- Drive Campaign from the 3rd December 09.
Helen Davidson, project manager of Music Challenge for Capita Symonds said, “Engaging with this age group can be difficult but music has helped the barriers come down. The depth of understanding within the lyrics is very impressive, I am sure none of the performers and their friends will ever drink and drive now.
23/11/09
The clue is in the title really, crucial information for children given by a crew of safety experts. Crucial Crew offers Year 7 children in Monmouthshire a personal safety experience and highlights the consequences of risks they may take.
The Road Safety work station examines and investigates the use of high visibility materials which can play a big part in reducing the risks facing children as daylight hours get shorter.
RoSPA says,
“One of the consequences of the UK’s system is that more people are killed and injured on the road because of darker evenings in the autumn and winter than would be if we adopted Single/Double British Summertime (SDST)…
…In 2008, UK pedestrian deaths rose from 38 in September, to 55 in October, 62 in November and 56 in December. Child road deaths rose from 7 in September to 18 in October, 12 in November and 9 in December.”
Nearly 800 children took part in workshops in scientifically controlled conditions (cardboard on the windows (!?) and an ultra violet light).
Children gasped as they were enlightened about how different materials react under different light conditions.
23/11/09
Motorists are being targeted in a new safe driving campaign aimed at getting parents to drive more safely and set a good example to their children.
The 'For Their Sake' campaign includes posters which have gone up on the back of buses in Swansea and at bus shelters across the city highlighting bad habits committed by thousands of drivers every day.
Acts such as speeding, texting at the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt are still common factors with drivers even though they are all illegal.
Swansea Council's Road Safety Team is hoping to reinforce the safety messages to motorists by highlighting the fact that often children sat in vehicles are watching what their parents are doing and are likely to copy them later in life.
Jeff Green, County Road Safety Officer in Swansea Council said, "Children sat in the rear of vehicles can easily see what is going on when parents are at the wheel. If they can see that the parents are speeding, texting or not even wearing a seatbelt, they may think its ok.
"Hopefully the 'For Their Sake' campaign will strike a chord with parents and make them more aware that their children pay attention to what they do and that they need to set a good example behind the wheel."
Backing the campaign, South Wales Police Road Safety Manager Wayne Tucker said, "It is clear that some people are still ignoring the fact that not wearing a seatbelt, driving while using a mobile or speeding could kill you.
"We are committed to reducing deaths on our roads and would urge everyone to drive responsibly and it is vital that parents set a good example."
23/11/09
Police are asking drivers to slow down and drive according to the weather conditions. With wet spray and severe winds, motorists need to slow their speed, drive carefully and be patient with other road-users.
Following the recent rainfall, river catchments in most parts of Wales and England are already saturated and are expected to respond quickly to further rainfall.
Wayne Tucker, the South Wales Police Road Safety Manager said,
“In bad weather conditions, it’s a good idea to leave earlier in the morning to allow for slower traffic movement on the roads and allow time in the morning to clear mist or ice from the windows.
“Be safe, and slow down on the roads. Wet and windy weather gives dangerous driving conditions with slower breaking times and risk of aquaplaning. Drive slowly through water and only if you know how deep it is.
“Rain and water spray also causes poor visibility on the roads so keep your headlights on throughout the day.
“When the weather turns to autumn and winter, it is always a good idea to check your vehicle’s condition, such as oil, water, tyres and brakes and make sure that the windscreen and lights are free from dirt and debris.
“Finally, you could face a hefty fine and between three and nine penalty points if police officers believe you were driving without reasonable consideration to other road-users. Worst of all, if you cause a road traffic collision, you could kill or seriously injure an innocent driver, kill or injure yourself or your passengers, which could, if found guilty, result in a prison sentence.”
The message from South Wales Police is “drive safe this winter”.
