By Trudy Harper

ROAD Safety Week is the UK’s biggest road safety event, coordinated annually by Brake and involving thousands of schools, organizations and communities each year.

The East of England Ambulance service is encouraging everyone to to think about how they use the roads better whether you’re using a vehicle, are on foot, or using a bicycle, or scooter, The service is well placed to advise caution having attended over 5000 road traffic accidents over the last few winters. They know from experience the consequences and life changing affects that fewer daylight hours in the mornings and evenings and adverse weather can cause. The service has also issued a poster clearly stating the four foes that can lead to fatal results.

The Ambulance Service is encouraging everyone to take on board some common sense winter advice .
• Check the expected weather conditions before head out
• If you’re driving, ensure that your windscreen and mirrors are clear of ice and greasy residues
• Make sure you can be seen however you’re using the roads and paths
• Be aware of vulnerable road users and be extra vigilant by schools
• Check your vehicle has adequate anti-freeze levels and ensure the tyre tread depths are legal and they’re adequately inflated

They are also supporting Brakes’ road safety week. Brake is a road safety charity that works to prevent road death and injury, make streets and communities safer, and supports the victims of road crashes. Brake founded Road Safety Week in 1997 as an annual event to raise awareness about road safety and promote steps that everyone can take to stop these needless deaths and injuries year-round.

Road Safety Week aims to inspire communities to take action on road safety and promote life-saving messages during the Week and beyond. It also provides a focal point for professionals working in road safety to boost awareness and engagement in their work. Full details can be found at www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk