Three serious collisions within the last 48 hours which have claimed the lives of two people and critically injured another have highlighted the need for vulnerable road users to be extra vigilant this winter. Jonathan Clarkson of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership said: “As vulnerable road users most affected by the change in the winter weather, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians need to be aware that stopping distances of road vehicles are significantly longer in icy, snowy or frosty conditions. “The colder periods of the day such as in the evening, and first thing in the morning before sunrise, hold some of the worst conditions.” Each year Leicestershire Police issues winter driving advice to motorists. This year, the local Road Safety Partnership is also issuing advice to vulnerable road users, who should consider:

•  Looking both ways before safely crossing the road
• Using pedestrian crossings and crossing islands where available
• Allowing more of time to walk across the road in wet or icy conditions
• Wearing reflective or light clothing if walking down unlit roads
• Being mindful that road markings may be obscured by ice, and to expect traffic coming both ways – even down one-way streets
• Walking on the pavement so that cars travelling on your side of the road are travelling towards you

The Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Road Safety Partnership Christmas Drink Drive campaign is running throughout December with the theme of “None for the Road.” The campaign, which was launched on Tuesday 29th November, was supported by Dawn Bycraft, the mother of Earl Shilton resident David Johnson who was killed by a drunk driver in 2004 at Elmesthorpe.  The None for the Road campaign message is being supported by radio advertising, beermats and washroom posters in local pubs along with featuring prominently on the petrol pumps of supermarket forecourts. For further information please visit the Leicestershire Constabulary website.  

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership working with Leicestershire Constabulary has published the numbers of prosecutions arising from each fixed speed and red light camera enforcement site for 2010.

As requested by the Department for Transport the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Road Safety Partnership has published site-specific information for each of its fixed camera sites. The information includes annual collision and casualty data back to 1990 for the numbers of killed and seriously injured people and for all personal injuries. To view this data and to view the list and map of speed camera sites, click here.

The 50mph speed limit through the roadworks is being enforcement using average speed cameras for the safety of road workers and all road users. When approaching the roadworks:

• Keep within the speed limit – it is there for your safety.
• Get into the correct lane in good time – don’t keep switching.
• Concentrate on the road ahead, not the roadworks.
• Be alert for works’ traffic leaving or entering roadworks.
• Keep a safe distance – there could be queues in front.
• Observe all signs – they are there to help you.

All Speed Awareness and Traffic Light Workshop offers dispatched by the Road Safety Unit from 21st February 2011 will be charged at £90. Previously, workshop fees were charged at £70. For more information about the scheme, visit www.drivereducationleicester.com