Road Safety
In 2014 there was an 8% rise in road casualties across Merseyside compared to the previous year, some collisions resulting in death. A number of the contributing factors were; speed, not wearing seatbelts and using mobile phones whilst driving.
Despite road safety awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of speeding, using mobile phones whilst driving and not wearing seat belts, many drivers are still adopting a relaxed attitude towards the road traffic laws.
Whilst these dangerous behaviours represent a minority of drivers, they are putting themselves and other people at risk and could be avoided.
Help to reduce the number of people killed or injured on the roads of Merseyside:
- Stay within the speed limit – the difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life or death.
- Don’t make or answer mobile phone calls when you’re driving – reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50% slower than normal driving. (link to http://think.direct.gov.uk/video-mobiles.html)
- Don’t drink or drug drive – You could be over the legal limit many hours after your last drink, even if it’s the ‘morning after‘. ‘Time’ is the only way to get alcohol out of your system.
- Never accept a lift from a driver who you suspect is over the legal limit.
- Always wear a seatbelt – in a crash you’re twice as likely to die if you don’t.
- Obey traffic signals and road signs – if your gamble goes wrong, it’s your fault.
Penalties for road traffic offences
- Drink/ drug driving – up to a 12 month driving ban and a £5,000 fine
- Exceeding speed limits – 3 penalty points and up to £100 fine
- Using a hand held phone while driving – 3 penalty points and up to £100 fine
- Failing to wear a seatbelt – up to £100 fine
- Unnecessary/wilful obstruction – up to £30 fine
- Driving on a footway – £50 fine.
How to report traffic crime or dangerous situations
To report erratic or dangerous driving, dangerous loads, unroadworthy vehicles or hazards on the road, call 999 as soon as you safely can.
Write down the registration number of any vehicle involved, with a description of the make, colour and, if possible, who was driving.
Call 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to make the report anonymously.
If you’re involved in a traffic collision
Take a note of the name, contact details and insurance information of anyone else who is involved.
If someone is injured, or if the road has become blocked, phone 999.
Grieving Mum backs Police Road Safety Operation
The following story shows the impact driver behaviour can have on our roads and the lives of innocent people. For further information click hereRoad Safety
Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 or 07930717137
Email ots@otsnews.co.uk
Twitter www.twitter.com/onthespot_new
Facebook www.facebook.com/otsnews.co.uk
Instagram www.instagram.com/otsnews
In 2014 there was an 8% rise in road casualties across Merseyside compared to the previous year, some collisions resulting in death. A number of the contributing factors were; speed, not wearing seatbelts and using mobile phones whilst driving.
Despite road safety awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of speeding, using mobile phones whilst driving and not wearing seat belts, many drivers are still adopting a relaxed attitude towards the road traffic laws.
Whilst these dangerous behaviours represent a minority of drivers, they are putting themselves and other people at risk and could be avoided.
Help to reduce the number of people killed or injured on the roads of Merseyside:
- Stay within the speed limit – the difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life or death.
- Don’t make or answer mobile phone calls when you’re driving – reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50% slower than normal driving. (link to http://think.direct.gov.uk/video-mobiles.html)
- Don’t drink or drug drive – You could be over the legal limit many hours after your last drink, even if it’s the ‘morning after‘. ‘Time’ is the only way to get alcohol out of your system.
- Never accept a lift from a driver who you suspect is over the legal limit.
- Always wear a seatbelt – in a crash you’re twice as likely to die if you don’t.
- Obey traffic signals and road signs – if your gamble goes wrong, it’s your fault.
Penalties for road traffic offences
- Drink/ drug driving – up to a 12 month driving ban and a £5,000 fine
- Exceeding speed limits – 3 penalty points and up to £100 fine
- Using a hand held phone while driving – 3 penalty points and up to £100 fine
- Failing to wear a seatbelt – up to £100 fine
- Unnecessary/wilful obstruction – up to £30 fine
- Driving on a footway – £50 fine.
How to report traffic crime or dangerous situations
To report erratic or dangerous driving, dangerous loads, unroadworthy vehicles or hazards on the road, call 999 as soon as you safely can.
Write down the registration number of any vehicle involved, with a description of the make, colour and, if possible, who was driving.
Call 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to make the report anonymously.
If you’re involved in a traffic collision
Take a note of the name, contact details and insurance information of anyone else who is involved.
If someone is injured, or if the road has become blocked, phone 999.
Grieving Mum backs Police Road Safety Operation
The following story shows the impact driver behaviour can have on our roads and the lives of innocent people. For further information click here
Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321 or 07930717137
Email ots@otsnews.co.uk
Twitter www.twitter.com/onthespot_new
Facebook www.facebook.com/otsnews.co.uk
Instagram www.instagram.com/otsnews
OTS News on Social Media