#ShareTheRoad

Whether you’re walking, cycling, riding a horse, or on a motorbike, statistics show that you’re at higher risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road collision compared to other road users. To encourage everyone to use the road safely, and look out for those who may be more vulnerable, we’ve launched the #ShareTheRoad campaign.

In Staffordshire there were 1,229 collisions where someone was either killed or seriously injured between 2016 and 2020. Children and the elderly are particularly at risk, so to protect those we care about we’ve got a few recommendations:

• Take a look at the new highway code changes (these came into force in early 2022), as these give road users, such as pedestrians, right of way in certain situations.
• Give other road users the space they need to use the road safely. If you’re passing a cyclist leave at least 1.5 metres between you, if you’re passing a horse rider always remember to slow down on the approach and pass slowly, giving the horse room.
• If you’re passing a tractor or farm machinery, make sure the road is wide and long enough to pass safely as some farm machinery can be wider than the standard road lane.
• Give yourself extra time for your journey so you don’t have to rush.
• Look twice at road junctions, before turning, overtaking, or before crossing the road to make sure it’s safe. If you’re driving, make sure to check your blind spot too.
• If you’re going for a walk or cycle in the dark, always make sure you wear light coloured clothing (reflective is best to make you visible to other road users) and carry a torch or use cycle lights.
• Make your children aware of road safety advice, there’s a free interactive activity pack available on the THINK! website.

This campaign supports the force’s on-going work under Operation Lightning, which aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads of Staffordshire and to disrupt and deter criminals from using the road network.