Speed Down Save Lives this Road Safety Week to protect your loved ones

Driving is unpredictable and if something unexpected happens on the road ahead – such as a child stepping out from between parked cars – it is a driver’s speed that will determine whether they can stop in time and, if they can’t stop, how hard they will hit. That is why we are encouraging everyone to Speed Down Save Lives for Road Safety Week 2017 (20-26 November).

Newer vehicles are more powerful than ever before and reach high speeds quickly. Driving fast is glamorised and often encouraged by programmes and adverts that worship the cult of the car. We all live busy lives and there is a temptation to speed up in the hope of saving time, where in fact we could be costing lives.

Many families have concerns about road safety, especially when it comes to walking and cycling. As a parent, these understandable road safety fears are likely to change as your child gets older. Road crashes are the biggest cause of death among 5-25 year-olds. And, as a charity that supports UK bereaved and seriously injured road crash victims, Brake is keen to work with parents to prevent these devastating crashes from happening in the first place.

We’ve produced lots of free tools and resources to be used during the week – from activity sheets to help engage children to a campaign toolkit to promote safer roads in your community. We also have giant hands, web banners and posters so you can share your support in-house and online. Simply visit www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk to register for a free action pack.

Brake supports a vision zero approach, which places the emphasis on systems to save lives and the planet, such as 20mph limits in towns and segregated routes for walkers and cyclists. We know it is challenging to change road users’ behaviour and humans make mistakes and some knowingly take risks. However, the deaths and injuries are happening right now, with five people dying on UK roads every day and 61 being seriously injured. Everyone can do their bit today by spreading awareness of the vital importance of the Pledge rules: slow down; never drink or take drugs or use a mobile when driving; always wear a seat belt; get eyesight tested; and minimise driving.

And if you have children aged 2-7, why not run a special Beep Beep! Day on Wednesday 22 November or get their nursery, playgroup, childminder or infant school to run one. Brake provides free resources. More information is at www.brake.org.uk/beepbeepday or email beepbeep@brake.org.uk.