New campaign aims to put safety first as lockdown eases
A new campaign is encouraging road users to prepare themselves properly before travelling – whether on foot, cycle or motor vehicle.
The Ready for the Road campaign has been launched by the National Roads Policing Operations and Intelligence group, in anticipation of increasing numbers of vehicles returning to the roads as lockdown restrictions are eased.
The campaign stresses the importance of checking vehicles are in roadworthy condition – an issue which is ‘particularly acute’ as many have been dormant during lockdown.
It outlines that vehicles are best maintained through usage and some aspects of their condition deteriorate more quickly when left parked for many weeks, or used only for short distance journeys.
When on the road, the campaign urges road users to ‘face up to the possibility’ that they might need to give themselves time to readjust to being out on the roads.
It calls on road users to prepare for any journey with extra patience – and ignore the temptation to speed, which has been a rising issue during lockdown.
Det Supt Paul Keasey, head of the National Roads Policing Operations and Intelligence Group, said: “You’ve survived Covid-19, so don’t risk getting hurt – or hurting someone else – in an entirely unnecessary road crash.
“Keeping within the speed limit and focusing fully on the road will reduce the risks we face and the risks we pose to others, including everyone who’s now avoiding public transport and walking or cycling to work.
“If we all make sure we’re #ReadyForTheRoad as lockdown eases, we will save lives.
“Ignore the rules and the reminders and we risk seeing a rise in crashes, with the unwanted consequences they can bring.”
‘Stay safe – stay tyre safe’
The campaign is being supported by TyreSafe, who are urging drivers to carry out essential checks themselves before they set off on their first journey.
It warns tyres will lose their air pressure over time and harden when they are not used regularly, which can lead to sidewall cracking – a serious safety issue.
Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman said: “As people start making more use of their cars again, it’s more important than ever they check their tyres before they take a long journey.
“Tyres don’t like standing around, especially when they’re exposed to the climate and UV rays, which accelerates the ageing process.
“Ensuring there are no signs of cracking and that air pressures are correct can easily be checked but, if you’re unsure, a tyre retailer will be willing to help.
“It’s imperative drivers do carry out these checks now Lockdown has begun to ease and get themselves into the habit of maintaining their tyres on a regular basis. Stay safe – stay tyre safe.”
