Drivesafe anti speeding campaign

Staff at Rochdale Council are promising to spread the word and ‘give their boss a brake’, in support of Drivesafe’s latest anti speeding campaign.

Figures from the Health amp; Safety Executive and the Department for Transport say that up to a third of all road collisions involve someone working at the time.  

The campaign, which launched today, Monday 7 August, is targeting both those who drive as part of their daily routine for work and those in charge of vehicle fleets.

Adverts targeting drivers will be placed on bus backs and on the radio. Information packs are also going out to employers/company directors, reminding them of how they can play their part in keeping the roads and their staff safer.

Claire Wightman of Drivesafe said: "Every company that has had an employee receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution will get a mail shot throughout the campaign.

“By doing this, we ensure that we are talking to the companies that have a history of speedy workers. The information packs contain booklets, leaflets and posters with loads of information and advice on how to drive safely while working.

“Driving is the most dangerous work activity people do, with company car drivers and people who build up high annual mileage at work being up to 50 per cent more likely to crash than private motorists. With statistics showing drivers who ‘speed’ crashing more often than those who don’t, our aim is to slow everyone down, keeping Greater Manchester’s motorists and pedestrians as safe as possible.

“Motorists can sometimes forget how dangerous driving can be and so regular reminders on staying safe behind the wheel are extremely valuable. Those who drive for work can often spend many hours each day in control of their vehicle, which increases their chances of being involved in an incident. By keeping people clued up on the dangers of work related driving, we hope they will in return take positive steps in looking after themselves – ie slow down!" 

Stuart Howarth, Road Safety Officer at Rochdale MBC states; "Everyone at the Council is very supportive of this Drivesafe campaign. Partnership working is very important in utilising our resources effectively.

“The Council is constantly evaluating its Occupational Road Safety Policy and makes any necessary changes. We believe that by taking these positive steps, we are not only keeping Council staff and the people of the Borough as safe as possible, we are also helping the organisation by saving a significant amount of money in the future on insurance costs, fuel bills and vehicle maintenance charges."

If you or your company would like one of these information packs sending out, please contact Claire Wightman on 0161 856 9969.