Drive less, live more

We are halfway through Road Safety Week that is currently taking place across the UK between the 23-29 of November. Supported by the Department of Transport, the initiative has been running since 1997 and this year is encouraging people to think about their car use and how they can ‘drive less, live more’.

The charity behind this yearly event is Brake, a road safety charity working with communities and organisations across the UK to stop the tragedy of road deaths and provide support for those affected by road accidents. This week, Brake has released figures on the health effects of driving. One particularly alarming figure we found was that air pollution is estimated to kill 52,500 people in the UK each year. It’s hard to believe that this figure is almost double the population of Whitefield in Manchester (where we are based), a town with a current population of 23,283.

With these startling figures, it’s no surprise that Road Safety Week is all about encouraging people to avoid using a car when they can walk instead. The charity is looking to improve pollution effects on our planet, by encouraging people to lead a much more active lifestyle.

Do you walk or take the car on your school run?

Interestingly, a 2011 report from the Office for National Statistics found that half of all children are now driven to school, yet the average school run for primary schools is just 1.5 miles.

During the week, schools are encouraged to get involved by both teaching and promoting the event to their pupils. Guides for teaching are provided, along with campaign advice and support for families who may have been affected by road death or injury.

There are also options for schools and individuals to attend events all across the UK held by Brake, along with fun ways to support the charity and fundraise for them.

Did you know that on a daily basis there are five deaths and 65 serious injuries relating to road traffic accidents in the UK? The UK’s flagship event not only promotes environmental sustainability but also works towards raising awareness and promoting road safety.

A few weeks back we reported on daylight saving hours and how this affects your safety on the road. With the evenings getting darker, we looked at ways to reinforce your safety practices behind the wheel, including tips on preparing your vehicle and how to decreases your speed effectively.

If you have been involved in a traffic accident, or have been hit by a car as a cyclist or pedestrian, then call Sheldon Davidson Solicitors, Manchester's Road Traffic Accident Solicitors.

Sheldon Davidson Solicitors are a leading firm of Manchester personal injury lawyers, with a long-standing track record of successfully settling a varied range of Personal Injury Claims, including everything from Uninsured Driver Claims and Pedestrian Accident Claims to Medical Negligence Claims.