More than 3,000 people attended the second edition of a road safety event in Wales – which has been described by the organisers as a ‘roaring success’.
Organised by the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), Cruz Cymru took place on 9 June and provided the opportunity for road users, emergency services and road safety partners to meet in one place at the same time.
The event was supported by Go Safe, Road Safety Wales and Dyfed Powys Police and focused on the ‘biggest factors that cause accidents’ on roads in Wales, collectively known as the ‘FATAL 5’ – speeding, alcohol, drugs, mobile phones and seat belts.
Staged at The Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, the event also featured static displays of more than 400 vehicles from car and motorcycle enthusiast clubs from across Wales, as well as live demonstrations by the Mid and West Wales FRS.
Richard Felton, road safety manager at Mid and West Wales FRS, said: “By working alongside our road safety partners, the Cruz Cymru event enabled us to bring a focus onto road safety within Wales.
“The day was a huge success and allowed us and our partners to engage with over 3,000 Welsh road users.
“The standard of clubs and cars was outstanding and the participants clearly showed a desire to assist in helping us deliver road safety to all audiences of road users within Wales.”
Mydrian Harries, chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council in Wales, said: “This unique event has once again proved a huge success with everyone who attended.
“Road traffic collisions affect everyone within our communities, not least our valuable emergency services.
“The event places road safety in Wales at the heart of the everyone’s minds through embedding the FATAL 5 messages, creating a positive and long-lasting change in driving attitudes and behaviour.”
Pity but if one puts together the stats for the so called Fatal Five and then compare it with the 30% or so collisions that are rear enders caused by insufficient safe space by the following on vehicle and then add the many other collisions that can be directly attributed to the lack of vision created by Tailgating then Tailgating wins hands down.
R.Craven
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