Firefighters drive home safety call (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford youngsters back message to slow down around schools and homes

8:20am Tuesday 23rd November 2010 in Fairweather Green By Tanya O'Rourke

Bradford firefighters are urging drivers to slow down, belt up and switch off during Road Safety Week.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has joined with road safety charity Brake to help spread the safety message after a survey found 85 per cent of the region’s children think motorists drive too fast near their homes and schools.

Geoff Crossley, the fire and rescue service’s district commander for Bradford, said: “Unfortunately firefighters see the devastating aftermath of traffic collisions, which is why we are so keen to stress the importance of safe and sensible motoring.

“It’s a sad fact that far too many deaths and injures could be prevented, which is why we’re urging motorists to drive to the speed limit and road conditions, wear a seat belt and avoid any distractions such as mobile telephones.”

Community safety staff met pupils and parents at Crossley Hall Children’s Centre, Thornton Road, Fairweather Green, yesterday, to discuss road safety.

Tomorrow the team will join forces with police in Bingley’s Market Square to talk to shoppers about staying safe in cars and on the roads.

On Friday children will be issuing their own pretend parking tickets to illegally and inappropriately parked cars near Hollingwood Primary School, Hollingwood Lane.

Brake campaigns officer Caroline Perry said: “It is unacceptable that so many children die and suffer appalling injuries on our roads.

“All drivers have a part to play in making our roads safer, and one of the best ways we can do this is to slow down to 20mph or below around schools and homes.

“If you do, you have a chance of being able to stop in time if a child runs out in front of you.

“Children understand the need for traffic to slow down, and are appealing to drivers to make this commitment during Road Safety Week.”