Fire Service works to make Essex roads safer

Working to keep people safe on Essex roads is a priority for the Service. It’s not just fires the Service attends, rescuing people involved in road traffic collisions is a big part of the Fire Service’s role. ECFRS has a dedicated Road and Water Safety team working to promote road and water safety.

Next week, the Service will be joining forces with road safety experts nationally for Brake’s Road Safety Week.

The theme for this year’s campaign is: Safe roads for all.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will be sharing advice to help make sure your vehicle is safe for the roads and tips on how to stay safe while using Essex roads.

On Wednesday 16 November, the Road and Water Safety team will be at the University of Essex Colchester campus to talk to students about bike safety, wearing bright/reflective colours) and fitting reflective bike spokes.

On Thursday 17 November, the team will be giving road safety advice in Southend High Street. Come and chat to the team to see what you can do to make our roads safe for all.

Andrea MacAlister, Road Safety Manager at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Everybody can play their role in making our roads safer, no matter what journey you are making.

“Every day, emergency services across the country attend road collisions.  The four biggest dangers while driving are identified as the fatal four; not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile while driving, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs and inappropriate speed.

“However, those of us who consider ourselves safe drivers can also take steps to be safer as we head into winter.  With darker evenings, we can all adjust to make ourselves and others safer.  We’d ask you to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and ready for winter before you set off.  It’s a good time to check tyres; especially the tread depth of your existing tyres. The legal limit is 1.6mm, but having more than this can dramatically improve steering and braking. 

“Cyclists and pedestrians - Be Safe, Be Seen.  If you’re out on your bike, please make sure you have lights on the front and back of your bike and you’re wearing a hi-vis or lighter coloured clothing.  Stick to the cycle paths where you can and keep an eye out for pedestrians using the cycle paths. 

“Pedestrians - We need to be seen to keep us safe and to let the other road users know that we are there. Many serious accidents happen because drivers do not see other road users until it is too late so think about wearing something reflective, or carrying a torch or use the torch on your phone if it has one and stick to the pavements where possible.”

Visit www.saferessexroads.org/visionzero to read the Vision Zero strategy and how you can help to make Essex roads safer.