Norfolk Police take part in campaigns highlighting risks faced by vulnerable road users
They're focusing on risks facing children and motorcyclists
Norfolk Police tell us they're supporting two national road safety initiatives taking place this month.
The ‘2 Wheels’ campaign is taking place over two weeks, running until Sunday 16th June.
Child Safety Week runs concurrently until Sunday 9th June.
Both campaigns are organised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and aim to highlight the dangers faced by vulnerable groups and explain how driver/rider behaviour can be improved to enhance road safety.
2 Wheels
The ‘2 Wheels’ campaign focuses on those road users who are disproportionately harmed in killed or serious injury collisions (KSIs).
Norfolk Police tell us, whilst motorcyclists make up just 1% of the motoring population, they are 16-times more likely to be injured in a KSI collision than car drivers.
As a result, they're one of the most vulnerable road users, alongside cyclists.
As part of this campaign, officers will be focusing on the safety of road users on two wheels, educating riders about the dangers of not having the correct skills and knowledge and lacking personal protection equipment.
They will also ensure riders are complying with road traffic regulations.
Child safety week
The force tells us Child Safety Week is about getting people to consider all the aspects of road safety where children are involved.
For younger children, this will be ensuring you are using the correct car seat or making sure they are wearing their seat belt.
It's understood children find it difficult judging speed and distance of traffic until they are at least eight-years-old, with accidents peaking at around 12-years-old when they start making independent journeys.
As a result, they need to be taught the basics of walking to school, crossing roads in a safe place and looking for hazards.
They should also be encouraged to not be distracted by their mobile phone or listening to music.
When it comes to cycling, children need to be reminded to wear a helmet.
"We have a shared responsibility"
Chief Inspector Vicky McParland, Head of the Joint Norfolk & Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “These campaigns carry important messages regarding the safety of those who use our roads on two wheels and also the responsibilities we all share in protecting children from coming to harm on the roads.
"Vulnerable groups such as these make up a small percentage of total road users but are disproportionately affected in collisions.
“We use these campaigns to focus on education – and that means education for both those on two wheels, other road users and parents/guardians.
"While unfortunately many collisions are caused as a result of poor riding, in many cases – especially in respect of cyclists – collisions are caused by impatient and careless driving.
“It is incumbent on all road users to consider their own safety as well as the safety of others. Motorcyclists and cyclists should ensure they are wearing all the necessary safety equipment to protect themselves and to ride considerately and responsibly.
“We have a shared responsibility when it comes to ensuring the safety of children in cars or when they are out and about. It is not limited to just parents or guardians strapping them in their vehicle properly or teaching them good habits when out walking or cycling.
“Motorists should always be scanning for risks – whether that is spotting a child up ahead cycling, or looking like they are about to cross the road – you need to be alert to react and ensure you are driving to the speed limit.”
Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Sarah Taylor, said: “I very much welcome safety campaigns such as these. Having previously worked as an engineer in road safety, I am keen for a more proactive approach to be taken to preventing road deaths and serious injuries, and campaigns such as these also play an important part.
“If we truly want to achieve zero deaths or serious injuries on our roads, then we need to continually educate and remind Norfolk residents to practise safer behaviours, and to work with partners to make our roads safer. Together, we all have a shared responsibility for road safety which considers other road users, whether that be other vehicle users, motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders or pedestrians.”