PLEA FOR TIME TRIAL AS ROAD USERS URGED TO TAKE CARE
27 October 2004 - ROSPA

RoSPA today urged the Government to allow a three-year time trial which would give Britain lighter evenings all year round and save around 450 deaths and serious injuries on the country''s roads each year.

But meanwhile the Society is calling on all road users to take extra care in the coming weeks, as the number of crashes will rise again after the clocks change this weekend.

Under the current system, road casualty rates increase after the clocks are moved at the end of October, with the arrival of darker evenings and worsening weather conditions. In 2003, road deaths rose from 256 in October to 316 in November. Pedestrian deaths went up by more than 50 per cent from 60 to 95 and the overall casualty rate for road accidents also increased.

RoSPA is writing to the Department of Trade and Industry urging it to introduce a three-year trial of a plan that would give lighter evenings all-year-round. The Society believes its proposal for a new system of changing the clocks would save more than 100 deaths and around 350 serious injuries annually on Britain''s roads.

Studies show that vulnerable road users such as children and the elderly are more at risk during dark evenings than in the morning.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: ''We know nothing can be done this year, but in the meantime everyone can play a part in trying to ensure the expected rise in deaths and injuries is as small as possible.

''Motorists should watch their speed as the nights become darker, and be aware that they are less likely to see vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. People should check their lights and brakes and have their cars serviced for the winter.

''Parents should ensure their children wear bright clothing, preferably with fluorescent or reflective strips. They should check cycles to make sure reflectors are clean and fit new batteries to lights.

''Children should be reminded that it will soon be dark on their way home and that it will be difficult for motorists to see them.''

A Bill from Nigel Beard MP is currently before the House of Commons. It proposes advancing the time by one hour in England and Wales, and gives powers for Scotland and Northern Ireland to make their own decisions. RoSPA says a common system for all the UK would have the greatest road safety benefit.

www.rospa.com

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