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Pendle Community Safety Partnership urges drivers to get behind Road Safety Week
Published: Thursday, 18th November 2021
Pendle Community Safety Partnership and Pendle Council are supporting this year’s Road Safety Week (15 – 21 November).
Co-ordinated by road safety charity Brake, this year’s campaign encourages everyone to speak up about road safety and ensure safe journeys for all.
Road crashes are the leading cause of death for children and young people worldwide, with more than six children being killed or seriously injured on roads every day in the UK.
Councillor David Whipp, Chairman of Pendle Community Safety Partnership, said: “Pendle Council takes road safety very seriously.
“All staff who drive Council vehicles undergo rigorous training and are specifically trained to drive the type of vehicle they use from small sweepers to our 22 tonne refuse wagons.
“They must pass an annual driving test to ensure no bad habits creep in and that our drivers are always operating our vehicles to the highest safety standards.”
Every day before a vehicle is taken out, drivers complete a series of morning walk around checks to ensure the safety of their vehicle before it is taken out on the road.
If the driver finds a problem with the vehicle, it’s taken for repair.
Regular safety inspections are also carried out on Council vehicles.
The bin wagon fleet and all large vehicles are inspected every six weeks and the rest of the Council’s fleet have inspections every 12 weeks to make sure they are in the best condition.
Councillor Whipp added: “By implementing such a rigorous safety focused system, we know the Council’s fleet is maintained to the highest standard and vehicles are driven by well-trained drivers.”
David Walker, Pendle Council’s Environmental Services Manager, has shared some advice for how residents can stay safe while using the roads.
He said: “With darker and colder mornings approaching, it’s really important to check that all of your lights are working, and that you have scrapers or de-icer before setting out on your journey.
“Also, remember to clear all windows, mirrors and lights, and plan your journey to allow extra time in bad weather such as snow, ice or flooding.”
But it’s not just car drivers that road safety advice is aimed at.
He added: “If you’re walking on a darker road or street, try to wear something either brighter in colour or reflective so that you can be seen more easily by road users.
“It’s also important for bike riders to wear reflective clothing and a helmet, and check that all lights are working.”
For more advice on road safety, visit www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week
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