Community

Many of us are making the most of the extra daylight and better weather as we move into spring and summer. For many of us there are longer journeys during school holidays and May bank holiday weekends, peak periods for travel.

National Highways has shared top tips for a safe TRIP:

• Top up-fuel/battery, oil and screen-wash

• Rest-plan your rest stops every 2 hours

• Inspect-tyre pressure and tread

• Prepare-for all weather conditions

Did you know that more than 2million vehicles fail their MOT due to tyre defects every year? In 2022, there were 9,608 convictions for defective tyres. Driving a car with tyres that have less than 1.6mm of tread is illegal and can result in a fine of up to £2500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

With slippery, icy, and wet roads, the smallest precaution could make a lifesaving difference. Together with Tyresafe we are urging road users to ACT:

• Air Pressure – Ensure tyres are correctly inflated to maintain handling and fuel efficiency.

• Condition – Check for any cuts, bulges, or visible damage to prevent blowouts.

• Tread – Ensure tread depth meets at least 1.6mm (which is the legal limit), or ideally more, for better grip, particularly in wet and icy conditions.

Tyresafe are the UK's leading authority on tyre safety and information and guidance about a variety of issues can be found at their website: Tyresafe

In Lancashire, mature/older road users are considered to be a vulnerable road user group. The road safety team work with older road users in smaller workshop settings and through community events.

The team can provide a free one hour presentation aimed at Lancashire residents aged 50 plus, called Travel for Life. The presentation caters for community groups.

For further information email: roadsafetyeducation@lancashire.gov.uk or call 01772 537960.

Travel for Life is a one hour interactive presentation aimed at Lancashire residents aged 50+, with advice on how to stay safe and independent whilst travelling. The presentation is delivered by Lancashire County Council's Road Safety Officers.

This short interactive presentation includes:

• The Fatal Five and changes to the Highway Code

• Maintaining your health and fitness to drive

• The importance of having regular eye checks

• Renewing your driving licence

• How medications can effect your ability to drive

• Vehicle safety and maintenance

• How and when to talk to loved ones about giving up driving

You can get a free NHS eye test if:

• you are over 60

• you have glaucoma or diabetes or have been advised by an ophthalmologist that you are at risk of glaucoma

As part of the National Police Chief Council’s Operation Dark Night campaign, all police forces were invited to raise awareness of the importance of good vision for safe driving. A total of 3,010 drivers' eyesight test were completed. Of the 3010 drivers tested, 2960 (98.3%) passed but 50 (1.7%) failed to meet the eyesight standards for driving.

Some 40% of drivers stopped had not taken an eyesight test with an optician/optometrist in the past two years.

Of the 50 drivers who failed the roadside sight test, 42 drivers (1.4% of all drivers stopped) had their Driving Licence revoked during Operation Dark Night.

Every year we host a service on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on the third Sunday in November.

The service will be one of thousands being held globally to support families and friends of people killed on the roads, and honour the work of the emergency services. The Day was initiated in 1993 by RoadPeace, a charity which provided support for victims and people who have lost loved ones in road crashes.

Families and friends of road traffic collision victims have this special day when they can feel that they are not alone and that their suffering is recognised by the community.

This is a multi faith service open to all who have been bereaved or injured through road traffic collisions. The short service will be followed by a chance for family members and attendees to lay flowers/wreaths at the RoadPeace memorial stone. It will attended by Lancashire County Council representatives, representatives from the police, fire and ambulance services, and multi-faith representatives.

The service is generally held at County Hall and you can contact us at roadsafetyeducation@lancashire.gov.uk for further information.