Young people are being urged to Walk Safe to avoid being hurt in a road crash.
They should take out their earphones for mobile phones and iPod players when they are walking near traffic or crossing the road at busy times. The dangers at peak periods when young people are most vulnerable are being highlighted in a countywide publicity campaign this month by Kent Highway Services’ road safety team.
This follows a successful poster campaign in Maidstone secondary schools and bus back adverts proclaiming ‘distractions on the road can kill’ during February and March. Pedestrian Road Safety Officer Darren Cook said: “It’s very easy to become distracted by MP3 players and mobile phones and that’s when you’re most at risk.
“We hope that the bus advertising and posters will make people switch off their gadgets and switch on their attention to stay safe.”
For further information contact Phil Scrivener at Kent County Council Media Centre on 01622 694013 or e-mail phil.scrivener@kent.gov.uk
‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ – making children safer as the nights draw in
“Be Bright, Be Seen” – that’s the message Kent Highway Services and Kent radio station Heart 103.1 & 102.8 are promoting to children walking to and from school or near roads as the nights drawn in.
The campaign aims to encourage children to attach a reflector to their school bag or coat to make them more visible to motorists in the shorter days, and remember to take extra care as they walk home.
Children from St Mary's Church of England Primary School, Chilham, were presented with reflectors on Friday 23 October by Heart 103.1 & 102.8 presenters James Heming and Gemma Shepherd to mark the official launch of the autumn safety drive before the clocks go back.
Heart 103.1 & 102.8 will help Kent Highway Services distribute 10,000-branded reflectors to families and children across the county at various high profile events, such as the Leeds Castle and Hop Farm fireworks shows, and Christmas lights switch-ons in Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury and Bluewater.
Kent residents, schools and clubs can also request bulk orders of reflective items at: www.heartkent.co.uk
Kent Highway Services Road Safety Officer Darren Cook said:
“Casualty rates for children during weekdays peak at the journey times to and from school. Especially at this time of year, being seen more easily could be crucial.
“Bright or fluorescent clothes show up best during the day, particularly in dull or misty weather. However, fluorescent clothing does not work at night – reflective material works best and shows up in car headlights. Be especially careful about where and when you cross the road too. Look for well lit places, so drivers can spot you more easily.”
Heart 103.1 & 10.28 Breakfast Show presenter James Heming said:
“I think this is a really good initiative by Kent Highway Services. As the Dad of 4 kids, it’s really important to make sure all children are really aware of road safety and hopefully by supporting this campaign, we’re doing our bit for this.”
Fluorescent yellow is the brightest of all fluorescent colours.
You can find fluorescent and reflective items in most shops selling car and bike accessories.
If you are out at night and you don’t have anything reflective, carry a torch or carry or wear something white.
If you wear a dark school uniform, carry a bag, scarf or an umbrella in bright colours, so that you can be seen.
In the latest radio industry figures released by RAJAR *, 408,000 people are tuning in to Heart 103.1 & 102.8, listening for a total of 3.7 Million hours each week, making it the largest radio station in Kent.
Heart 103.1 & 102.8 is available on 103.1fm and 102.8fm and online at www.heartkent.co.uk
For further information contact John Todd at Kent County Council Media Centre on 01622 694034 or e-mail john.todd@kent.gov.uk
Young people are being urged to Walk Safe to avoid being hurt in a road crash.
