Road Safety Week 19-25 November 2023
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are supporting Brake Road Safety Week, ‘Let’s talk about Speed’ campaign and urging people to slow down and keep to the speed limits.
Five people die on UK roads every day with one in four fatal crashes involving someone driving too fast. Since January 2023 MAWWFRS have attended 670 Road Traffic Collisions.
Road crashes are devastating events for the families involved. They hit at the heart of communities and send shock waves across our schools, and the places we live and work.
We are calling on all residents to take extra care when driving especially in the approaching winter conditions. When driving in winter it is essential you keep yourself and others safe by:
- Slowing down.
- Keeping a greater distance between yourself and the vehicle in front, stopping distances can be longer when the surface of the road is wet, snow covered or icy, increase the 2 second rule to 4 seconds or even more. Visit the Highway Code online for more information on Stopping Distances (opens in a new tab/window).
- Setting aside extra time to make your journey.
- Keep your mobile fully charged, but never use it while driving.
- On colder days be particularly careful country roads, trees and hedges can stop the sun from reaching road surfaces, which may still be icy when all around has thawed.
Service Youth Team Co-ordinator Graham Jenkins said:
"All too often we see the devastating consequences of road traffic collisions and the impact it has on colleagues, friends, and our communities. Making time and preparing for your journey is key, giving yourself that bit of extra time reduces the pressure to break the law and speed, risking points, speeding fines or worse. Remember speed limits are just that, limits and not targets to aim for."
For further advice on Brake Road Safety week visit: Road Safety Week | Brake
Look out for safety messages on our social media channels and for more information on how to keep safe on the road visit our website: On the Road - Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (mawwfire.gov.uk)