December 2010 Newsletter

Journey Planning

Consider whether your journey is necessary. Before venturing out check your route and listen to local radio for information on congestion, route or road closures.
Some useful websites:

http://trafficscotland.org
http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic/traffic.aspx
http://www.theaa.com/traffic-news/index.jsp
http://www.bbc.co.uk/travelnews/

Transport Scotland – Driving in Bad Weather leaflet

Useful downloadable leaflet This document is in Adobe PDF format.

Freight Best Practice Bad Weather Guide for HGV Driving

Bad Weather Driving GuideThe Bad Weather Driving Guide is Freight Best Practice Scotland’s most popular pocket guide and is ideally suited as a tool to help inform your drivers about the dangers of driving an HGV in poor weather. The Guide is full of useful information and it can be used to brief drivers on how to prepare for bad weather. It considers what equipment they should be taking with them whilst on the road this winter as well as handy hints on operating the vehicle in certain conditions.

The Guide is available to download from the website for printing and distribution; it is also available FREE in limited numbers from the Hotline. To place an order call the Hotline on 0300 123 1250.
The guide is available for download here This document is in Adobe PDF format.

European Commission Road Safety News

The European Commission has set the target of halving the number of road deaths in the European Union by 2020. Information on this and other European road safety news.This document is in Adobe PDF format.

ACPOS Festive Drink Drug Driving Campaign 2010

As we enter the festive season, the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (ACPOS) is reminding those enjoying a festive tipple to leave their car keys at home. With too many deaths involving drivers who are over the legal limit, the annual ACPOS Festive Drink / Drug Drive Campaign will begin next week (Monday 6 December) to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Across Scotland, officers are on patrol day and night targeting those who pose a threat to our safety. Throughout the Festive Drink / Drug Drive Campaign increased patrols will be targeting motorists who continue to risk their lives and the lives of others on our roads.

During this years summer drink drive campaign 26 of the 216 offenders detected were classed as “morning after”, which is around 1 in every 8 offenders. Drivers should always consider the time taken for alcohol to leave their system and allow a suitable time before driving. Those who choose to drink or take drugs and drive pose a risk to themselves and others. When caught, they will lose their licence and get an automatic 12-month ban. There is also the possibility of a criminal record, imprisonment and a fine of up to £5,000.

Last year, during the Festive campaign the Forfeiture initiative was launched to target drink drivers caught for a second time. Under the initiative (which was led by ACPOS and supported by the Scottish Government, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, The Scottish Court Service and Road Safety Scotland) drivers convicted of drink driving for a second time could have their vehicle taken away for good. The initiative was a success and earlier this year it was extended to include those who are caught driving under the influence of drugs.

Authorities will continue to use their powers to seize and forfeit the vehicles of drivers who choose to ignore the law over the course of this year’s Festive campaign. Also for this year, ACPOS has joined forces with the independent charity Crimestoppers to encourage people across the country to report anyone they suspect of drink/drug driving. During the ACPOS Summer Drink / Drug Driving Campaign there was increased public awareness with 1 in 4 of drivers caught as a result of calls from the public.

By raising awareness of the devastating consequences of drink / drug driving, increasing the penalties and the chances of being caught, it is hoped that people will refrain from driving under the influence of drink or drugs, risking their lives and lives of others.

If you suspect someone of driving under the influence of drink or drugs, call 999 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously 24 hours-a-day on 0800 555 111.

Drink Driving Don’t Risk ItDrink Driving Don't Risk It

For more information on Drink Drug Drive legislation and to view the current television advert or to download the poster.

Scottish Government - National Debate on Young Driver Safety

Are you a Young Driver (aged 17-25) or the parent/carer of a Young Driver?
If so the Scottish Government would like to hear from you.

This is your chance to share your views on the interventions that might make a difference. The short online questionnaire will take no more than five minutes to complete.

To thank you for sharing your opinions, the study team are offering entry into a prize draw for the chance to win the latest Ipod Nano. Winners will be notified by email.
You can also follow the debate on facebook.

ScORSA Toolkit

A ScORSA toolkit (consisting a film, powerpoint presentation, adverts and discussion cards) is currently being developed to assist small and medium sized businesses in delivering an interactive workshop with staff who drive for work. If you would like to know more or are willing to assist in the piloting of the toolkit in late January / early February 2011 then we would like to hear from you. Email info@scorsa.org.uk or call 0131 449 9379. The free resource will be available at the end of March.

Scottish Centre for Health Working Lives remind us that road safety is Healthy Working Livesimportant every week

The Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives supported Road Safety Week (which took place at the end of November and was organised by the road safety charity, Brake) by spreading messages about sensible driving into the workplace.

With a wide variety of transportation being used within and out with the workplace, ranging from forklifts to cars, lorries, construction and agricultural vehicles; the opportunity for serious injury and substantial loss in financial terms due to damage to vehicles, plant and equipment should not be underestimated.

For their good practices guide to workplace transport and vehicles visit their website.

HSE - Workplace transport

The HSE website has a vast range of free information leaflets to assist you with all aspects of Workplace Transport Safety including, information on Barriers, bollards, car parking, high visibility clothing, lorry and van parking and much more.