Children lead safety campaign

Posted on October 20, 2011 by adminGemma

Local children have launched a campaign to ask drivers to help them cross safely on their way to school.

Abbeymead Primary school pupils have created a range of posters reminding pedestrians and drivers about the need for safer driving and crossing outside schools. The campaign was devised after a pupil was hit by a car earlier this year.

The Partnership has supported the scheme with its own posters, appealing to drivers to help children cross at busy times.   

Children crossing in Abbeymead

Julian Pass, Head teacher at Abbeymead Primary School said: “Abbeymead Avenue is a really busy road and it’s often difficult for our children and parents to get across safely.  So, I’m delighted children at our school have produced some really smashing posters encouraging safer and more courteous behaviour from all road users.”

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Driving is a juggling act…

Posted on September 13, 2011 by adminGemma

Driving is a juggling act – so FOCUS.

The Partnership kicks off this year’s young drivers and passengers campaign with attendance at the Hartpury College and Stroud College fresher’s events tomorrow.

Using the theme of juggling, the Partnership will outline the many distractions which can break your focus when driving: many of them from within the car, including your mates, your phone, your speed and the influence of alcohol.

Fresher’s will be invited to juggle balls against the clock, while the team attempt to simulate in-car distractions. This is an interactive and engaging activity carrying a serious message. Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, you have a responsibility to ensure your safety.

The Partnership has also developed a web-game, and the resources which have been developed will be made available for schools and colleges to borrow, along with lesson plans about retaining focus.

We will also attend the Gloucestershire College fresher’s events next week, and the University of Gloucestershire fayre. Attendance at these events is vital to ensure we are giving our most vulnerable road users access to road safety knowledge.

Juggling campaign

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Partnership to support the Youth Showcase Event

Posted on September 9, 2011 by adminGemma

09.11.11  The Road Safety Partnership will be supporting the Youth Showcase Event taking place next Saturday, 17th September, in Gloucester.

Organised by the local Police Community Engagement Team, the day aims to highlight the activities available to young people in Gloucester, aged between 6-20 years.

The day promises to entertain – with Gloucester Scout Group, the Air Training Corps and the Sea Cadets all in attendance, along with Virgin Active Health Clubs, Party Zone Inflatables, the Army Recruitment Team and even the Warehouse Climbing Wall!

And we’ll be there to demonstrate our juggling skills – intrigued?! Then come along and see us – Llanthony Priory, Gloucester between 10am and 5pm.

Gloucester Youth Showcase Event

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LOOK and LOOK again…

Posted on September 1, 2011 by adminGemma

Following the success of the rural THINK BIKE signs, the Partnership has introduced a version for use in built up and urban areas.

Using the phrase LOOK and LOOK again, the signs are there to warn all road users to take extra care in heavy traffic and follow the advice before turning or manoeuvring.

Over the last couple of years, there has been an increase in the number of collisions involving motorcycles and mopeds – especially on urban routes. In Gloucestershire, two thirds of all motorcycling collisions occur in urban areas.

The routes where the Look, Look Again signs will be used are:

  • Sections of the A46 in Cheltenham, Bath Rd
  • Sections of the B4073 in Gloucester, Barton to Abbeydale, and
  • Sections of the A430 in Gloucester, Cole Ave to Bristol Rd and Llanthony Rd – South West bypass.

All these routes have a recent history of motorcycling-related injury collisions. The signs will be in place at the start of September and will initially remain until the end of October.

Chris Harrison, our Motorcycling co-ordinator, said: “There are various ways we as riders can reduce the risk of being involved in a collision, developing our own skills is essential. There is training available locally to riders through Bikesafe, IAM or RoSPA.

“For younger riders on machines up to 125cc we can offer free one to one rider assessments giving the rider advice and tips building on the basic training they have already received.

“Should you be involved in a collision the wearing of clothing designed to protect riders could reduce the level of injury or indeed save our lives.”

More advice and information about motorcycling.

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Keep an eye out for the THINK BIKE signs

Posted on August 5, 2011 by adminGemma

05.08.11  The rural THINK BIKE roadside signs are on the move.

Within the next few weeks, signs will appear along stretches of the A419 and the A435 in an attempt to make drivers and riders more aware of each other and to take more care.

The signs, which have previously been on routes in the Forest and Gloucester, ask drivers to THINK BEFORE TURNING; THINK BIKE, LOOK TWICE; and warn riders of BENDS ahead.

The stretch between Brimscombe and Chalford on the A419 has seen a considerable number of motorcycle-related collisions in the last three years, as has the A435 between Seven Springs and North Cerney.

In previous years, collisions on the routes which have been signposted, have been reduced. Let us know what you think of the signs, contact us or join the discussion on our Facebook page – Glos ThinkBike.

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Stay safe on the road with the two second rule

Posted on July 21, 2011 by adminGemma

21.07.11 Firefighters will be out in Cheltenham on Friday to raise awareness of safer driving to coincide with the Chief Fire Officers Association National Road Safety Day.

The awareness day will focus on speed and keeping a safe distance – the two second rule. This means drivers should leave two seconds between themselves and the vehicle in front in normal driving conditions.

The event will take place in the car park of Kingsditch Retail Park, Cheltenham between 2 and 4pm. Visitors will get chance to try out the Road Safety Partnerships ‘seat belt sled’, which simulates the impact of a crash at just 7mph and demonstrates the importance of always wearing a seatbelt in the front and back of a vehicle. Fire crews will be on hand to chat to members of the public about the importance of good road safety.

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National bike to work week starts tomorrow

Posted on June 17, 2011 by adminGemma

17.06.11 National Bike to work week is 18 – 26th June. In support of this, NHS Gloucestershire will be helping to organise a bike breakfast, in conjunction with Tesco at Brockworth, Gloucester Business Park.

So why not go to work on two wheels on Tuesday 21st, and get a FREE ‘fill up’ at Tesco, between 8.30 and 9.30am?  

If you can’t make that, try Wednesday’s activity instead. Join the Partnership’s cycling team who will be a leading a 5-mile and a 10-mile leisure ride, meeting at Tesco Brockworth and leaving at 5.30pm. They will be on hand to provide advice and guidance throughout.

Do your bit for your health, the environment, your pocket and your overall well being! Click here for more information about safer cycling and training opportunities for all ages.

Cycle to work week

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Take a second look at your child’s safety

Posted on June 16, 2011 by adminGemma

Next week is Child Accident Prevention Week, 20th -  26th June.

Are you a parent, grandparent, carer, teacher, or someone who works with a children’s group? If so, why not join the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership in supporting the Week…. and take some time to look at child safety.

Get involved: you could choose one or all of the following ideas to involve your children:

  • Monday - Sign up to join our FREE on-line resource centre and download or order materials for use with age ranges between 0-18 years old;        
  • Tuesday - Contact us for a personalised ‘Keep off the Zig Zag lines’ template, to encourage safe parking around school. This can also be attached to parent’s newsletters. 
  • Wednesday - Produce your very own ‘eco’ poster to encourage safe walking and cycling activities. Keeping both children and the environment healthy.
  • Thursday – Promote a ‘cycle to school/work’ day for all. We can offer advice and support for all cycling events. 
  • Friday - Download our advice and promotional material on child seat belts and help improve the safety of young car passengers.

We look forward to your involvement during the week and will be interested to know how our ideas, and your own, have worked. We are here to offer support and advice so please contact us should you need to.

For other ideas and to see the official website, see: http://www.capt.org.uk/

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CRASH card could save your life

Posted on June 7, 2011 by adminGemma

02.06.11  A card containing vital information which could prove crucial if a motorcyclist is involved in a collision has been launched in Gloucestershire.

The CRASH card is the size of a credit card and fits inside the crash helmet. It provides personal details to help ambulance crews if the motorcyclist is injured in a road traffic collision, saving valuable time and helping treatment, especially if the rider is either unconscious or unable to communicate.

The card comes with a self-adhesive green dot which is stuck onto the helmet to alert paramedics to look for the card to check the motorcyclist’s medical history.

Chris Harrison, Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership’s (GRSP) Motorcycle Coordinator, said: “The CRASH card is designed to save precious time in the minutes following a serious collision and improve the medical care received at the roadside.

“All bikers are encouraged to carry the card, which also gives helpful advice if a rider comes across a road traffic collision so that they can relay important information when dialling 999.”

The card was launched at the Biker’s Nite at the Lower Lode Inn in Forthampton on Wednesday, 1st June

PC Simon Ross from Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: “Carrying the card within your helmet and affixing the green dot to the right hand side of it gives immediate medical information for the attending paramedics and medical teams, as well as providing the Police with information about the identity of the wearer.

“The card is designed for all sizes of powered two wheelers, mopeds to superbikes and cruisers to tourers, and for all motorcycle journeys. The scheme is for both riders and pillions.”

The cards are available to order here and can be picked up at motorcycling events throughout Gloucestershire through the summer.

CRASH card launch
Photo shows L to R: Chris Harrison from the Road Safety Partnership,
Pc Simon Ross from Traffic Police, and paramedic Kev Dickens from Great
Western Ambulance Service, handing out CRASH cards to bikers at the
Lower Lode Inn, Forthampton on June 1st.

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Alcohol and driving – don’t mix the two

Posted on June 1, 2011 by adminGemma

01.06.11 In an average year in Gloucestershire, 880 drivers lose their licence as a result of being convicted for drink or drug driving offences – that’s nearly 3 people every single day who will have to face the significant personal and social consequences for a long time to come.

Add to this the fact that still, 20% of road deaths nationally involve someone who has been drinking and driving and the message is clear – don’t mix the two.

Gloucestershire Police launch their month long enforcement campaign today and Inspector Kevin Roseblade said, “Drink driving can result in death and serious injury. For those convicted of drink driving there is also the impact on their personal life, the possible loss of their driving licence and job, and even imprisonment in certain cases.”

“During the summer many people are out enjoying themselves at festivals, barbeques and other events. And the opportunity to have a drink is often there, but I would ask all motorists to consider whether it’s really worth it.”

For advice on staying safe this summer and to learn the truth behind the drink drive myths, please visit www.whyriskit.org.uk and order your ‘None for the road’ window sticker to help spread the message amongst other road users.

Licences under glass

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