Road Safety Week 2016 – Let’s pledge to make a our roads safer together
This year's Road Safety Week campaign is asking the nation to pledge to try and increase safety for everyone when travelling around their borough.
This important week runs from 21 - 27 November 2016.
The pledge calls for people to drive less and, if they do not drive, to do everything they can to protect themselves and the people around them.
There are six main areas to make a positive change, and below are some ideas of what you could pledge:
Slow
Drivers – I'll stay under limits, and slow down to 20mph around schools, homes and shops to protect others. I'll slow right down for bends, brows and bad weather, and avoid overtaking.
Everyone – I'll speak out for slowing down and help drivers understand that the slower they drive, the more chance they have of avoiding a crash and saving a life.
Sober
Drivers – I'll never drive after drinking any alcohol or drugs – not a drop, not a drag.
Everyone - I'll plan ahead to make sure I, and anyone I'm with, can get home safely and I'll never get a lift with drink/drug drivers. I'll speak out if someone's about to drive on drink or drugs.
Secure
Drivers – I'll make sure everyone in my vehicle is belted up on every journey, and kids smaller than 150cm are in a proper child restraint. I'll choose the safest vehicle I can and ensure it's maintained.
Everyone – I'll belt up on every journey, and make sure friends and family do too.
Silent
Drivers – I'll never take or make calls, read or type when driving. I'll put communication devices out of reach, and stay focussed on the road.
Everyone – I'll never chat on the phone to someone else who's driving.
Sharp
Drivers – I'll stay focussed on safe driving. I'll take regular breaks and never drive if I'm tired, stressed or on medication that affects driving. I'll get my eyes tested every two years and wear glasses or lenses at the wheel if I need them.
Everyone – I'll look out for friends and loved ones by ensuring they only drive if they're fit for it, and rest if they're tired.
Sustainable
Everyone – I'll minimise the amount I drive, or not drive at all. I'll get about by walking, cycling or public transport as much as I can, for road safety, the environment and my health.
Be Bright, Be Seen - Primary School Road Safety Competition
We will be running a "Be Bright Be Seen" competition in primary schools across the borough this month to raise awareness of road safety when out walking, scooting or cycling this winter in Waltham Forest.
One way to ensure children are visible, is to encourage them to dress brightly or carry something eye-catching like a bag or rucksack. Therefore, we are asking children to design the brightest bag they can imagine, getting to think about what will be seen out on the roads when it gets darker a lot earlier in the day. The child with the best entry will win an amazing cycle safety rucksack courtesy of Cyndicate. They will also win reflective keyrings for their class and a free road safety performance for their whole school!
Speak to your primary school for more information.
Road Safety Week with the Metropolitan Police
On Monday 21 November, from 10am to 3pm at Walthamstow Square Gardens, the Traffic team from the Metropolitan Police will be meeting with members of the public and local children from neighbouring primary schools.
They will be there to talk about staying safe this winter, giving advice on how to make those positive changes you have pledged to make for Road Safety Week. They will show you how the police speed guns function, explain how a breathlizer works, show you around their emergency response cars and motorcycles, and much more.
Dr Bike will also be on site to carry out services on your bikes and the Police will be offering to security mark you bike in case of theft.
For more information about this event or Road Safety Week, please email us.
Road Safety Week 2015 - Let’s work together to make Waltham Forest safer, leaner and greener
The UK’s biggest road safety event involves thousands of 
schools, organisations and community groups every year. In 2015, Road Safety Week took place between 23 to 29 November 2015 and had three main messages:
SAFER: Promoting important road safety messages in schools and the community, educating all ages about how to be a sensible, courteous and safe road user.
LEANER: Encouraging active and sustainable travel around the borough particularly on the way to school. It’s money saving, fun and healthier, it can even be quicker than a car or bus journey.
GREENER: Sustainable travel makes a huge difference to our environment. People don't realise that they are breathing in higher pollution levels when they in a car than when they walk or cycle.
Do you know of a Road Safety issue in the borough? If so, email us.