[15 January 2007]

Road Safety Warning.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service are reminding drivers to be extra vigilant on the roads during winter months, following the tragic deaths of three drivers last weekend alone.

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service regularly undertakes Road safety initiatives. The 'Safe Drive Stay Alive' campaign is one such example, targeting young people who are just about to start driving. Emergency services and local councils worked together to produce a hard-hitting film, backed up by serving members of the Police, Ambulance Service, Fire & Rescue Service and Accident & Emergency Consultants speaking of their own experiences. Perhaps, the most poignant messages come from the parents of road crash victims, talking about the impact on their families.

More recently, crews from Lewes and Newhaven Fire Stations joined forces with Sussex Police and East Sussex County Council Road Safety Officers to deliver a strong road safety message to drivers on the A27 at Beddingham. Police traffic officers were placed to spot drivers who were committing offences, particularly in relation to use of seatbelts and mobile phones. These drivers were stopped and given two options, a straightforward choice between a standard statutory fine and a short presentation by a firefighter, highlighting the dangers of such activities. Overall, 57 drivers were stopped, with only one opting to pay the fine instead of listening to the presentation. All agencies agreed that it was an extremely worthwhile event and the intention is now to repeat this initiative across the County. See the Road Safety Week 2006 Page for further details.

ESFRS Head of Response, Pat Scott said “People are dying and being seriously injured on our roads senselessly every day, because they don't think it will happen to them. The tragedy is that it does, far too often. We urge people to take more care and drive to arrive.”

[Allison Gilson]