The aim of Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service adopting a Road Safety Strategy is so we can contribute effectively to reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are working in partnership with Shropshire County Council's and Telford and Wrekin Borough Council's Road Safety Teams to reinforce the need for drivers and other road users to take responsibility for their own safety and that of other road users.
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Road accidents cause immense human suffering
Every year, around 3,500 people are killed on Britain's roads and 40,000 are seriously injured, in total, there are over 300,000 road casualties, in nearly 240,000 accidents, and about fifteen times that number of non-injury incidents, this represents a serious economic burden.
Despite significant reductions in road accidents casualties in Shropshire there were still over 1,350 people seriously injured or killed in road accidents in the area, these accidents are the most significant source of accidental death accounting for about 56% of all accidental deaths.
Pedestrians account for around 12% of road casualties and cyclists represent around 5%. The biggest group of those killed or seriously injured, not surprisingly, are car, van and lorry users – 62% and motorcyclists representing 20%.
The comparison with fire is stark. In the same year in Shropshire 31 people were killed or seriously injured from fires in homes, commercial premises and fires in vehicles, 8 were fatalities. When we compare findings from road accidents with those caused from fire incidents you can understand why Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are keen to become more proactive in reducing road accidents.
| So what is Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service going to do about it? |
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Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service will target preventative work at young people between the ages of 16 and 25, especially young men who account for the highest percentage of casualties |
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We will support Safety Camera Partnerships in reducing speeding on rural roads that account for a high proportion of road deaths and injuries |
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We will continue education into the effects of drugs and alcohol, especially on the impact of these substances on driving |
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We will work with partners to target mobile phone users to reduce distraction incidents |
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Our messages will include the importance of always using seat belts especially for rear seat passengers |
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We will work alongside partners to educate 8 to 15 year old young people in safer cycling in town and fringe and urban areas |
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We will work with our partners to give information about car safety seat checks in our rural areas |
Further information
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