On the Roads

In County Durham in 2006, there were 1947 road traffic casualties. A high percentage of these casualties were car drivers and passengers. In some of these crashes, some fortunate people will have been swiftly cut free from the remains of their vehicles and transported to hospital for treatment.

You can do something about it. Slow down! Driving too fast is a major cause of collisions on our roads. Many fatal and serious crashes in County Durham, involve one vehicle only, usually on a bend. The faster you collide with another vehicle, or other solid object, the more chance you have of being trapped in your vehicle, the less chance you have of survival. Slow down.

The bad weather is coming. In wet or icy conditions drive even slower, reduce the risks further. Always keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. Avoid a collision.

Make sure your driving is not affected by alcohol, medicines, or tiredness. Alcohol should not be taken in any amounts before driving a car no matter what the conditions. Check the label on any medication you are taking. Will it make you drowsy? Could it affect you driving? If the answer is yes, do not drive. If you feel tired or sleepy at the wheel, you must stop and rest. A sleeping driver cannot apply the brakes or steer in an emergency. A sleeping driver will always impact at full speed.

Ask yourself if it is really necessary to drive. Is it vital that you use your car? Could you use a bus or walk? Please drive carefully, or better still, do not drive at all.

Think Road Safety.