"With the extra hazards posed by the cold season, it is more important than ever to ensure that journeys are well planned and vehicles well maintained and serviced"

Almost 50% of the 3,500 fatalities on Britain’s roads occur at night when less than 20% of driving takes place.
Add into the equation the darker nights of winter and worsening whether conditions and it is easy to understand why all drivers should take extra care on the roads at this time of year. It is, of course, not only drivers and their passengers who are at risk but pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

The government’s road safety strategy, “Tomorrow’s Road – Safer for Everyone”, sets out our strategy to reduce road casualties. This includes improving: driver-testing and training; road safety education; speed management techniques; the safety of the highway through engineering measures and reducing the number of accidents where the influence of drink and drugs is a factor. However, while improvements are taking place and we are nearing our long-term targets for reducing road casualties, we need the active support of businesses and all road users. That is why I am delighted to welcome you to the fourth, winter 2004/05 edition of RoadSafe, which is dedicated to the theme of winter driving and also outlines a whole range of safety-first actions that employers and employees can take.

With the extra hazards posed by the cold season, it is more important than ever to ensure that journeys are well planned and vehicles well maintained and serviced. Consider, for example, whether business journey times and routes can be rescheduled to take account of adverse weather conditions. Where this is possible, is it being done? If you or your drivers must travel, it is important to allow extra time to make checks, such as light operation and windscreen wiper reservoirs. It is paramount that employers and employees take personal responsibility for their vehicles, because the simplest of vehicle checks could mean the difference between life and death. These essential safety checks now form part of the driving test, underlying the importance of vehicle maintenance to road safety.

Regrettably, another threat to road safety in the Christmas and New Year period is from the reckless minority who drink and drive. Every year, the government’s THINK! road safety campaign reminds drivers of their responsibility to avoid drinking and driving. Technology can play a part too. Earlier this year I announced an 18-month research project into alcohol ignition lock devices that will be fitted to cars of volunteer-convicted drink drivers in Birmingham and Bristol. The driver gives a breath test before he/she is able to start the car. This measure is aimed at persistent drink drivers as a way of preventing reoffences.

The aim of RoadSafe is to highlight the difference employers can make to road safety through responsible intervention, and this edition provides valuable advice for the cold season that is now upon us. I wish you all safe winter travels.

RoadSafe’s tips for winter motoring With the darker mornings and evenings of the winter months, pedestrians – particularly children – are especially vulnerable, but so too are drivers and riders. 50% of all accidents happen at night, in wet conditions, yet it is wet, on average, just 10% of the time at night. Driving in winter has dangers quite different from the summer. Before each journey, before even turning the key, think about how dark, how wet and how cold it will be. Consider: How well will you see others? How well will they see you? The slippery roads, puddles, frost, ice, snow – how will you stop? In addition, always check: Lights Winter tyres Wipers De-icer Anti-freeze