Date: 9th December, 2020
Firefighters at Stratton fire station in Swindon have launched their annual Christmas road safety campaign by asking drivers to be “alert today and alive tomorrow”.
Two vehicles have been placed on the station grounds alongside Highworth Road to simulate a crash.
In light of the current Covid-19 restrictions, and Christmas parties being cancelled, the focus this year is on all elements of safe driving.
Watch Manager Mark Evans said: “In Swindon, we know the police have seen a big increase in drivers exceeding the speed limits since March this year. Road traffic collisions happen in a moment of distraction and it doesn’t take much for them to cause a life-changing event for the people involved – and that’s not just those in the collision but family, friends and emergency responders.”
During December, Wiltshire Police will be stepping up patrols and targeting motorists who have been flagged as potential drink or drug drivers. The following top tips should be followed by everyone travelling in a vehicle:
- Passengers are reminded not to distract drivers and to be considerate towards them.
- When driving, don’t speed and be mindful of other road users – ROSPA analysis shows that drivers who speed are more likely to be involved in collisions, and are also more likely to commit other driving violations, such as red-light running and driving too close to other vehicles.
- Remember that any consumption of alcohol, no matter what the social setting or circumstances, could be enough to put you over the legal limit – and can still have an impact the morning after the night before.
- Keep your mobile phone out of reach so you can’t be tempted to look at it.
See www.dwfire.org.uk/road-safety for more information about staying safe on the roads.