PCC urges Suffolk road users to look out for one another

Police in Suffolk are urging all road users to look out for one another in support of Brake Road Safety Week.

This year the national campaign, which runs between 17 and 23 November, is calling on all road users to be considerate and look out for one another.

Drivers are being urged to take extra time at junctions, to look twice and take it slow on bends while cyclists and pedestrians are urged to make sure they can be seen and not to take chances.

Roads policing officers will be taking part in events to educate road users and raise awareness of how everyone can improve their own safety on the road. They will also carry out roadside checks throughout the week with a particular focus on vehicle defect offences involving lights and tyres.

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, head of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “Road users, be it car drivers, riders, pedestrians or cyclists, all have a responsibility to make sure they stay focused when travelling throughout the counties.

“It is vital people give the road their full attention and know what is happening around them. Road users who fail to do this stand a greater chance of being involved in a collision, which can have serious or fatal consequences.

Tim Passmore said, “I would urge all road users to look out for one another as the nights draw in and the weather deteriorates. Our roads are getting increasing busier so better driver awareness is absolutely crucial.

“It is really important that all road users allow a bit of extra time and space to try to reduce the risk of a collision. We all need to think more carefully when we drive and be more aware of others in vehicles, on bikes and motorbikes and on foot.”

“This year has been a particularly bad year for fatal road accidents, with more deaths on our roads to date than in the whole of last year. Each one is a terrible tragedy for the individual, their family and friends.

“We all have a part to play to prevent more accidents on our roads and I hope by everyone taking a little more care we can avoid more tragedies on our county’s roads.”

A road safety event will be held at RAF Honington involving the young driver education team and the display Lotus.

Meanwhile, officers from the county’s 29 safer neighbourhood teams will be supporting the “Let’s look out for each other” campaign and handing out sets of bike lights.

A motorcycle safety event will be held at Otley College while sessions focusing on road safety and distraction will be performed in schools to year seven pupils.

PIC CAP: Tim Passmore behind the wheel of a display Lotus with Head of Roads Policing Ch Insp Chris Spinks.