KEEPING DEATH OFF THE ROAD OR ’TAKE YOUR TIME, NOT YOUR LIFE!’

  By Nicholas Newman 28 April 2007

Did you know 25,000 people died on Europe’s highways last year, and during the same period, there were 65 fatalities on the Oxfordshire’s highways? So far 9 people have been killed in motoring accidents on the county’s roads, this year alone. That’s one less than for the same period last year- which ultimately saw the highest fatality rate on local roads for 16 years.
Thames Valley Police is taking part in a European campaign to try to reduce this needless slaughter, led by the European Commission and coordinated by TISPOL – the European Traffic Police Network.At a Thames Valley press conference to launch the campaign, spokesman, Sgt Chris Appleby, Road Safety Team declared ‘It aims to be working to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads in the region, particularly young people.’ When asked why this campaign is focusing on young people, Sgt Appleby responded. ‘Every year around 150 people are killed on the roads in the Thames Valley. Around nine of these fatalities are young people and a further 1,000 young people are injured each year. We are doing what we can to let young people know how they can keep themselves safe.  As to what causes of all these accidents, Sgt Chris Appleby observed, ’Speeding is the biggest cause of fatal collisions, with people not wearing seatbelts in vehicles, a close second.’ In practice this means, Sgt Appleby explained about the expansion of the Speed Awareness Scheme in order to give a greater number of drivers and riders caught speeding the option of opting for education rather than punishment.  Sgt Chris Appleby said, ‘We believe our education schemes have a major influence on driver attitudes and behaviour. This month we will be running ‘Operation Speed’ in random locations at different times. There is no guarantee that drivers will be given the option of attending the courses. In extreme cases of excessive speed, motorists will be given no alternative and be sent to court.’ Oxfordshire’s drivers will finally get the message, to drive carefully on the roads.

FACT BOX

• For further information about the Speed Awareness Scheme log on to www.drivetechsas.com/thamesvalley
• For the Rider Improvement Course visit www.drivetechdis.com.  
• European Road Safety http://ec.europa.eu/transport/roadsafety/index_en.htm