Police campaigns aim to cut road accident rate
motorists whose behaviour places those vulnerable road users at risk.
The majority of collisions involving a pedestrian occur in the built-up area with research showing pedestrians up to 15 and those aged 61-75 being most likely to be involved in a collision.
Throughout June we will be raising awareness of vulnerable road users by carrying out high-profile patrols aimed at reducing collisions, and using social media to promote road safety messages.
On June 18, officers from road policing undertook Operation Closepass in Bridge of Allan area. It was at educating drivers about passing cyclists too close . Officers not only spoke with car drivers but also cyclists some of whom place themselves in danger by their manner of riding. On this occasion this included cyclists riding through red traffic lights and riding without using their hands to control the direction of their bike.
In addition, officers in Bannockburn conducted Operation‘Lose the Blinkers’in order to address the issue of vehicles speeding on the Roman Road, Plean and not leaving enough room when passing riders on horses. Working with the Mounted Unit and Roads Policing Unit, they coordinated an operation to have plain-clothes officers on horses carry out patrols in the area, stopping and educating drivers about giving sufficient space and lowering speeds when passing horses. Where offences were committed fixed penalty notices were issued.
You may have also seen our mini ‘pop-up’police officers making an appearance at numerous schools in the area, these brightly coloured characters carry educational messages to those who drive in the vicinity of our schools reminding them to be considerate in terms of their speed and parking near to school buildings and on the approach routes used by children.
I am delighted to report that Stirling shows a reduction from last year in terms of the total number of road accident casualties. However we cannot be complacent about this, particularly as four children have been seriously injured and tragically a number of people have lost their lives as a result of road collisions. In May alone three people in Stirling were seriously injured in collisions, with eight people receiving minor injuries.
With schools in the Stirling area due to break for the holidays shortly it is important that we all share the road space with consideration for all road users and in particular children and elderly pedestrians who may be unaware of the dangers of the road. We are also working with council colleagues to improve signage on roads often frequented by visitors and tourists.