LOCAL traffic police officers are backing a Europe-wide campaign to make this Wednesday, September 21 the first ever ‘European Day Without A Road Death’.
Known as Project EDWARD it aims to draw attention to the average of 70 deaths occurring every day on the roads of Europe.
“In Warwickshire and West Mercia, reducing road collisions and road casualties remains a year-round priority for both police forces,” said a spokesperson.
“Project EDWARD will support this commitment by encouraging every road user to take a moment this Wednesday to reflect on their attitudes and behaviour and think about their safety on the roads – whether they’re drivers, pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists.”
Targeted police enforcement will take place on high harm routes across Warwickshire and West Mercia to proactively educate and enforce road safety issues such as speeding, mobile phones, drink driving and drug driving.
Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, president of the European Traffic Police Network added: “A day without a road death is of course the vision we should strive for every day, not just on September 21. But as a simple way of raising awareness, I am convinced that Project EDWARD can be a great success, whether or not we achieve zero deaths on the day itself.
“Each day, an average of 70 people across Europe will set off on road journeys, but they won’t make it home. On September 21 – and every day – please think about the way you drive, ride or cross the road. Think about how you can reduce risk by always wearing a seatbelt, keeping to speeds that are both legal and appropriate for the conditions, not driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, and not using a mobile phone at the wheel.
“If everyone commits to making small changes, then the road safety improvements will be huge and we will achieve big reductions in the number of people who are killed or seriously injured.”
