10 November 2008 - Road Safety Week: 10-16 November 2008
Winter is upon us and Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service are reminding road users this Road Safety Week to be extra careful when out and about, and to remember that one mistake could ruin so many lives.
Sadly the Service attend many road incidents, some fatal, which could have been avoided. Often, due to alcohol, drugs, unnecessary risks and loss of concentration lives are destroyed. As well as causing the death of passengers, pedestrians and other road users, those involved could face huge fines and significant prison sentences.
Convener of Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service Board, Mike Bridgman said, “Some incidents occur due to recklessness, others occur when perhaps the kids are arguing in the back seat, or someone drops something and bends to pick it up, but whatever the cause, these types of accidents are avoidable.
“People need to ask themselves, is this telephone call, or giving the kids a row, or showing off to your mates worth a prison sentence for driving dangerously, or causing the death of others?”
Head of Community Safety for the Service, David Mallin also urges road users to take care, “Drink driving is a big problem for the Police over the festive period, and the Fire Service are also called to a number of accidents where alcohol is involved.
“Even 12 hours after having four or five drinks the night before, the alcohol can still be in your system and impairing your judgement. Speeding is also a big concern for us. We are often called out to cut young drivers from their cars after they have lost control of their vehicle when speeding. However, it’s not just young drivers who are involved in these types of accidents, those who have been driving for some time often take ridiculous risks which they could come to regret later.”
To be safer on the road:
- The driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts
- Don’t drink alcohol or drugs and drive
- Don’t use mobile phones when driving
- Obey the speed limits
Enquiries: Aileen Hope, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service
Tel. 0131 228 2401
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