Lively seminar reviewed ‘road safety north of the border’

Michael McDonnell’s online seminar earlier today (17 Oct, 12.30 – 1.30pm) attracted 11 questions from Academy members covering a wide range of topics.

Many of the questions put to Michael, director of Road Safety Scotland, were on the subject of partnership working with colleagues in the police and fire & rescue services. In his responses Michael painted a very positive picture, stating that Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020 has high-level commitment from all stakeholders and has "re-invigorated road safety in Scotland".

With regard to road safety targets, Michael described the setting of targets as a ‘positive development’, adding: "I don’t intend to criticise England, but suffice to say, I’m glad the Scottish Framework has them in!"

On the topic of daylight savings and BST, he stated that Road Safety Scotland’s position is to adopt a neutral view as any road safety benefits would be ‘statistically insignificant’.

One questioner suggested that at present the provision of road safety ETP in certain areas of Scotland is at ‘ground zero’ following the establishment of a Scottish Police Service. In his answer Michael agreed that "large areas of the country are without road safety ETP provision". He also expressed a concern that "with no local dissemination and promotion of, or support for, our road safety education resources, they could end up gathering dust in classroom cupboards and our ‘spiral curriculum’ approach to road safety education could be lost".

Other questions put to Michael during the session covered Scotland’s progress in reducing young driver casualties, the controversial Nice Way Code and David Coulthard’s involvement in the Country Roads campaign.

Academy members can see the questions posed and answers provided during the seminar by visiting the Academy website.

Footnote:
The Road Safety GB Academy is the professional development arm of Road Safety GB. It was formed in April 2013 as a result of the merger between Road Safety GB and IRSO (Institute of Road Safety Officers). The Academy runs a monthly programme of online seminars which are available free of charge to members.

Complimentary membership of The Academy is offered to road safety practitioners employed by local authority members of Road Safety GB – up to a maximum of 10 places per authority. Applications are also welcomed from practitioners working in the private and voluntary sector, subject to meeting the membership criteria. The annual cost of membership for these practitioners is £35.

For more details or to apply for membership, visit The Academy website or contact Emma Norton, head of membership.