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.

Dog Owners

Although the number of accidents caused by dogs is very small, there are benefits in encouraging responsible dog control by supporting dog training clubs.

Action
1) Liaison with dog clubs on issue of certificates and test papers (Road Safety Unit)
2) Provision of advice in leaflet on dog ownership ( Community Services)

Equestrians

Although the number of accidents involving riders is small, they are a vulnerable group and support for the British Horse Society road safety test should continue.

Action
1) Conduct tests as required (Road Safety Unit)
2) Review accident statistics to determine the extent of the problem (Roads)
3) Contact all riding schools to discuss rider training and testing and road safety issues (Road Safety Unit)

Taxis

No specific programmes are available for this category of accident and it would be worthwhile assessing the feasibility of developing these.

Action
1) Analysis of accidents and assessment of action that may be required (Roads, Road Safety Unit)
2) Liaison with taxi owners on results of above analysis (Road Safety Unit)

Buses

Buses are involved in approximately 2 accidents each year. On average, 10 passengers are injured in these accidents. No specific programmes are available for this category of accident and it would be worthwhile assessing the feasibility of developing these.

Action
1) Analysis of accidents and assessment of action that may be required (Roads, Road Safety Unit)
2) Liaison with bus companies on results of above analysis (Road Safety Unit)

Lorries

Commercial vehicles are involved in approximately 15 accidents each year. It would be worthwhile assessing the feasibility of developing or promoting fleet driver training programmes with companies.

Action
1) Analysis of accidents and assessment of action that may be required (Roads, Road Safety Unit)
2) Liaison with fleet operators on results of above analysis with a view to promoting fleet driver training (Road Safety Unit)

See also Council Employee section

Older Drivers

Although older drivers can compensate for the effects of ageing for a considerable length of time, they become increasingly likely to have an accident as they get older. There were xx casualties in this category in 1996.

Action
1) Assess feasibility of developing a programme for older drivers (e.g. input to pre-retirement courses, vision checks, publicity, liaison with doctors) (Road Safety Unit, Health Service)

Council Employees

Programmes targeted at council employees have considerable potential for accident reduction. The reason is that there are 6000 employees who, together with their families represent about one fifth of the population of East Ayrshire.

Action
1) Development of a policy to provide:
    -assessments of new drivers
    -HGV and specific training
    -reassessment of drivers involved in
     more than one accident (Commercial
     Operations)
2) Hold an annual driving awareness week at council offices (Road Safety Unit)
3) Introduce driver awareness courses for staff (Road Safety Unit)
4) Make publicity material available for staff (Road safety Unit)
5) Consider involvement in Family Fun Day (Commercial Operations/Road Safety Unit)
6) Include road safety features in staff magazine (Road Safety Unit/ Public Relations)
7) Consider survey of staff on their accident history (Road safety Unit)

Fleet Driver Training

The costs of road accidents to companies are considerable - higher insurance premiums, the replacement of damaged vehicles, employees on sick leave. These costs can be substantially reduced if advanced training programmes for drivers are introduced for a company's employees.

Action
1) Promote awareness of the benefits of fleet driver training (Road Safety Unit)
2) Provide publicity materials to industrial/commercial sector (Road safety Unit)

All Road Users

The following activities are aimed at road users in general.

Action
1) Provide road safety advice on Council Website and public access terminals (RoadSafety Unit, Support Services)
2) Develop methods of ensuring greater public involvement in road safety. One method which will be considered is that of a charter. A number of authorities, particularly in the USA have used variants of this concept in their work. It offers a way for different sectors to become involved and take responsibility for some aspect of the overall problem, allows a high public profile to be achieved, and offers recognition for their commitment to a worthwhile cause.

In signing the charter, agencies or individuals would commit themselves to following a general set of safety principles and undertaking some specific programme. They would also be invited to take part in public awareness campaigns. In return they will receive charter certification, an information pack, a regular newsletter, attendance at an annual seminar and possible discounts offered by other participants e.g. gift vouchers.

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