Police and education officers will come together next week to support Project EDWARD (Every Day Without A Road Death) – an international campaign to reduce collisions and casualties on our roads.
South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) and South Yorkshire Police will team up for a week of activities to promote safety messaging around the theme ‘Fit for the Road’, with ‘vulnerable road users’ in the spotlight.
The week of action will include an engagement stall at this weekend’s Festival of Cycling at Fox Valley Shopping Park in Stockbridge; taking to the roads in a special Highways-backed unmarked HGV to ensure people are driving safely and not using mobile phones while at the wheel; engaging with parents outside schools and holding safe passing events aimed at protecting cyclists.
South Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Inspector Jason Booth said: “We all have a part to play in making the roads safer for everyone, and during this action week we will be focussing on those classed as vulnerable road users. This can be pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, anyone using the roads alongside motor vehicles.
“Every day we have a dedicated traffic car that patrols our roads looking for those who are driving irresponsibly or dangerously - part of our force’s Operation Illuminate. We only have a finite amount of resources and we have to respond to incoming emergencies and incidents, but this car enables us to have a continuous proactive presence on our roads.
“As part of the week, please think about the small changes you could put in place to make your driving safer and listen to the messaging ourselves and our friends at the Safer Roads Partnership will be delivering.
“One life lost on the roads is too many, so please help us ensure loved ones and friends always return home safely from their journeys.”
The Safer Roads Partnership will support police activity with educational messaging on social media and at events.
Manager Joanne Wehrle said: “Every year we are proud to support Project EDWARD and share as much information as possible that will help reduce casualties on our roads.
“With this year’s theme being ‘Fit for the Road’, we will be covering a wide range of issues on our channels from mental wellbeing and safe speeds to vehicle maintenance.
“As well as attending college and university events to speak to students, we will be sharing the work of our partners and doing our best to put road safety at the top of everybody’s agenda.”
Project EDWARD includes a pledge that all road users can adopt to make the roads a safer place for all users.
It states: ‘I pledge that I will play my part in reducing risk by ensuring I am fit for the road on all journeys. I will drive within the rules of the Highway Code in a safe and well-maintained vehicle’.
To sign the pledge or find out more visit: https://sysrp.co.uk/campaign/projectedward
