In 2012, 866 cyclists, pedestrians and motorbikers were killed and 13,781 were seriously injured on UK roads, equating to 40 deaths and serious injuries per day; 60% of all UK road deaths and serious injuries. These road users are particularly vulnerable to vehicles manoeuvring, as they are more easily missed in drivers' blind spots. 75% of cyclist collisions in Britain occur at or near junctions.
In response, Brake is offering expert guidance to fleet managers on steps they can take to reduce the dangers to people on foot and bike from company cars and commercial vehicles.
The guidance, published through Brake's Fleet Safety Forum, produced in conjunction with Aviva, includes expert insights, best practice case studies and sample advice sheets for drivers.
Laura Woods, research and information officer at Brake, said: ‘Addressing and managing the risks caused by blind spots, and ensuring drivers are manoeuvring with the utmost care, is essential. This report sets out vital steps managers should take – whatever types of vehicles they run – to minimise blind spots and ensure drivers know how they can best protect vulnerable road users.’
The report and driver advice sheets are available for free to Brake subscribers, can be purchased for £5 by non-subscribers or will be available for free to Aviva's commercial customers. Special offer: the first 25 non-subscribers to request the resources through Brake's online form will get a copy for FREE. Go to www.brakepro.org/vulnerable-road-users.
This guidance comes as Brake starts building up to Road Safety Week, the UK's flagship road safety event, which takes place this year from 17th to 23rd November and will focus on the theme "Look out for each other". Brake will be calling on everyone to look out for one another on roads, but particularly drivers to help protect vulnerable road users. Employers can register for an action pack at www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk/action-pack.
