Development and Property Services

Roads and Transport

ACCIDENT PREVENTION - Future Activities

The following pages define specific activities which will be carried out by various agencies over the next three years. The activities are directed at reducing the risks for particular road user groups and an indication is given as to which agency will carry out the work.

Pedestrians of Secondary School Age

There are approximately 13 pedestrian casualties in this age group each year. In view of their age and existing knowledge of safe pedestrian behaviour, an approach that focuses more on attitudes than on knowledge is appropriate, although there is still a place for knowledge-based resources. A lack of up to date resources for S3 and 4 pupils has been identified but steps are being taken nationally to meet this need.

Action
1) Organise visits from theatre groups as available (Road Safety Unit, Others)
2) After assessing the results of the surveys of primary school pupils and their parents consider the value of conducting similar surveys at secondary level (Road Safety Unit)
3) Develop liaison arrangements with the Quality Development Officer responsible for Environmental Studies to assess the need to review existing programmes for secondary schools (Road Safety Unit, Education).
4) Provision of resources to Educational Resource Centre in Dreghorn (Road Safety Unit)
5) Assess feasibility of input into any parenting courses (Road Safety Unit)
6) Encourage use of School Transport Pack with pupils (Road Safety Unit, Education)
7) Assess the feasibility of introducing a Safe Route to School pilot scheme (Roads and Transportation, Education)
8) Conduct 'Back to School' publicity on an annual basis (Road Safety Unit)
9) Promote the need for driving slowly near schools (Road Safety Unit)
10) Visit all secondary schools to discuss possible programmes (Road Safety Unit)
11) Support Scottish Accident Prevention Council's Public Speaking Competition (Road Safety Unit, Community Services)

Pedestrians with Special Needs

Although no significant accident problem has been identified independent mobility is desirable for this group and efforts should be made to provide suitable resources to schools and centres.

Action
1) Contact all establishments to review possible input (Road Safety Unit)
2) Provision of facilities for disabled (Roads and Transportation)

Elderly Pedestrians

There is a definite increase in risk once people reach their seventies, due to the effects of ageing. In addition, injuries are often more severe or take longer to heal. There were xx accidents of this type in 1996.

Action
1) Reassess current programmes (Road Safety Unit)

Drivers (all ages)

Car and taxi drivers comprise approximately 40 per cent of all casualties in East Ayrshire. Historically there have been limited programmes aimed at car drivers and there is a definite need to develop these.

Action
1) Input into local Institute of Advanced Motorists magazine (Road Safety Unit)
2) Promotion of IAM with target group(Road Safety Unit)
3) Participation in Scottish Motor Show in association with other Councils (Road Safety Unit)
4) Support for national publicity campaigns on speeding, drinking and driving, child pedestrians, seat belt wearing and other topics (Road Safety Unit)
5) Review accident statistics and assess feasibility of a campaign targeting specific locations or routes (Road Safety Unit, Police)
6) Provide information on local traffic management and traffic calming schemes (Roads and Transportation)
7) Provide driving and road safety courses to specified groups in association with Social Work Department (Road Safety Unit, Social Work)
8) Liaison with business and commercial sector

Young Drivers (17-25 years of age)

Young drivers are a particularly high risk group, being involved in nearly 30 per cent of all accidents yet constituting only 10 per cent of all drivers.

Action
1) Approach all secondary schools with a view to establishing pre-driver education (Road Safety Unit)
2) Consider local publicity campaign for young drivers (Road Safety Unit)
3) Issue new driver information pack through driving schools (Road Safety Unit)
4) Review accident statistics and assess feasibility of a campaign targeting specific locations or routes (Road Safety Unit, Police)
5) Liase with Kilmarnock Car Project with a view to possible input to young offender programmes (Road Safety Unit)

Women Drivers

Although female drivers have less involvement in accidents than male drivers, there is a demand for a general driving course with an emphasis on personal safety.

Action
1) Provide courses on a regular basis (Road Safety Unit)

Cyclists

Each year approximately 16 cyclists are involved in road accidents. Most of those injured are under 16 years of age, and the majority of these are of primary school age, mostly boys. An extensive programme of cycle training is held in primary schools but there could be benefits in introducing this to secondary schools and providing training for adults particularly in view of the increasing promotion of cycling as a mode of transport .

Action
1) Consider cycle training courses for secondary schools (Road Safety Unit)
2) Consider cycle training courses for adults (Road Safety Unit, Traffic)
3) Identify local and long distance cycle routes and promote their use (Traffic)
4) Provide publicity aimed at drivers and cyclists (Road Safety Unit, Business and Commercial sector)

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