The Dumfries and Galloway Road Safety Partnership has launched a new campaign in an effort to protect the region’s vulnerable road users this summer.
Launched yesterday (14 June), ‘Be Safe – Be Seen’ is designed to equip cyclists, children and horse riders with the knowledge needed to stay safe – while highlighting how these groups can safely co-exist with other traffic.
This focus of the campaign originates from the ‘Dumfries and Galloway Road Safety Strategy 2017-2020’ which highlights three nationally identified priority focus areas – speed, age and vulnerable road users.
The ‘hard-hitting’ campaign is being supported by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), working with partners including Police Scotland and the British Horse Society.
Over the coming months, the SFRS and its partners will attend at various events including agricultural shows, to ensure the message is heard – with a particular focus on horse riders who routinely use rural roads.
Among the key messages to motorists will be to reduce speed when passing, give plenty of room, be prepared to stop suddenly and keep engine noise to a minimum.
Hamish McGhie, SFRS’ senior officer for Dumfries and Galloway, said: "Protecting the public and communities from harm is at the heart of what we do – and any death on our roads is one too many.
"Unfortunately, firefighters frequently attend road traffic collisions and see all too clearly the devastation that can be caused. We thoroughly believe prevention is key and that is why we are throwing our full support behind Be Safe – Be Seen.
"Vulnerable road users such as horse riders are at greater risk when travelling on the roads network and that is something motorists should be mindful of at all times.”
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14 June 2017
Perhaps with the giving of greater space behind other vehicles and placing oneself in a better position to be seen by others maybe one will not have to stop suddenly as often. Being more apparent is not just a matter of how we dress, it’s a matter of how we view our own safety and of road positioning for best effect. With greater space comes greater visibility for all road users. I wish this effort well.
Bob Craven Lancs
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