Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to ensure their vehicles are safe and to take care while driving this Road Safety Week (16th – 22nd November).
This year, the theme of Road Safety Week is Safe Vehicles Save Lives, raising awareness of how safe vehicles can make roads safer by being roadworthy, preventing crashes and protecting people in the event of a crash.
According to road safety charity Brake, more than 1700 people die on UK roads every year, and 30,000 receive serious, life-changing injuries as a result of collisions on the road.
Last year, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service responded to 479 road traffic collisions, with the response ranging from simply making vehicles safe, to complicated extrications using specialist equipment.
RTCs have been outlined as a high-risk to the county in Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) published earlier this year. Changes in the road and rail infrastructure in Northamptonshire has and will continue to impact on the volume of traffic through the county, which increases the likelihood of an accident happening.
Because collisions on the road are a strategic priority, crews undertake training all year round to ensure they are fully prepared to respond and are trained in advanced rescue techniques, carrying specialised equipment to safely stabilise vehicles, extricate casualties and put out fires in vehicles of differing fuel types.
To help reduce the chance of an accident occurring, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting Brake’s Road Safety Week and is asking drivers to use the FLOWER method to check their vehicles once a week or before every long journey:
Fuel – Ensure you have enough for your journey
Lights – Check all headlights, brake lights and indicators are clean and functioning
Oil – Check your oil levels when your engine is cold
Water – Check lubricants, coolants and washer fluid
Electrics – Ensure your battery is present and secure
Rubber – Examine your tyres for uneven wear, sidewall damage, worn tread and low pressure
Chief Fire Officer Nikki Watson said: “Our firefighters witness the devastating impact road traffic collisions have on families and communities. That’s why we’re asking everyone in Northamptonshire to do their part in keeping our roads safe.
“This week gives us the opportunity to highlight all the work we are doing to prevent collisions and protect lives all year round.
“While we know accidents can still happen even when vehicles are well-maintained, you can be assured that our firefighters are fully trained and equipped to respond whenever you need them.”
