Edward Road Safety

Project Edward Meet Claim Today Director

DS Bal Director and Solicitor at Claim Today met Project Edward team members Ian Greenman and Keanan Lloyd-Adams to support their Presence in Birmingham City Centre.

The 2023 Project EDWARD week of action is taking place from Monday 15 – Friday 19 May to coincide with the UN Global Road Safety Week.

Along the way, some of the most influential thought leaders in road safety will be invited to come along for the ride and join the team ‘on the road’ to share their insights and experience.

On Day Three of the National Tour the Project Edward Team invited DS Bal of Claim Today to support their message in Birmingham City Centre, DS Bal said 

 

“We need to keep reminding all communities of the importance of road safety messaging from rear seat passengers wearing seatbelts to Pedestrians using road crossing and cyclists taking extra care – we are pleased to support the Project Edward team by engaging all communities with road safety”.

In addition to the road trip stops, contributions will be coming in from all four corners of the United Kingdom as we feature projects from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

 

Below further Road Safety Information from Project Edward:

What is the Safe System Approach?

The Safe System approach is a way of thinking about road safety that recognizes that people make mistakes and that the road environment can be unforgiving. The approach seeks to minimize the risk of death or serious injury by addressing the following five key components:

  • Safe roads and roadsides: Roads and roadsides are designed to reduce the risk of crashes and minimize the severity of any crashes that do occur. This can involve measures such as:
    1. Separating different types of traffic: This can be done by creating physical barriers between different types of traffic, such as cars and pedestrians.
    2. Providing safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclists: This can be done by creating sidewalks, bike lanes, and other infrastructure that is specifically designed for pedestrians and cyclists.
    3. Reducing speed limits: Speed is a major factor in the severity of crashes. By reducing speed limits, we can help to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries and fatalities.

 

  • Safe vehicles: Vehicles are designed to protect occupants and other road users in the event of a crash. This can involve measures such as:
    1. Electronic stability control: This technology helps to prevent vehicles from skidding or rolling over.
    2. Advanced braking systems: These systems help to shorten stopping distances, which can help to prevent crashes.
    3. Side impact protection: This type of protection helps to reduce injuries to occupants in side-impact crashes.

 

  • Safe speeds: Speed limits are set to ensure that vehicles are traveling at safe speeds for the road environment. This can involve measures such as:
    1. Speed cameras: Speed cameras can help to deter speeding by increasing the likelihood of getting caught.
    2. Road markings: Road markings can help to indicate the speed limit and other important information to drivers.
    3. Road design: Road design can be used to create a more forgiving environment for crashes. This can be done by using features such as curves, hills, and trees to slow down vehicles and absorb the impact of crashes.

 

  • Safe road users: Road users are educated and encouraged to behave safely on the road. This can involve measures such as:
    1. Driver education and training: Driver education programs can teach drivers about the importance of safe driving practices.
    2. Public awareness campaigns: Public awareness campaigns can help to educate the public about the dangers of road crashes and how to prevent them.
    3. Enforcement of traffic laws: Traffic laws are enforced to ensure that drivers obey the rules of the road. This can help to reduce the number of crashes and the severity of injuries.

 

  • Post-Crash Response: It is important to respond quickly and effectively to crashes to minimize the harm caused. This can involve measures such as:
    1. Providing emergency medical care: Emergency medical care can help to save lives and reduce injuries.
    2. Clearing the road quickly: Clearing the road quickly can help to reduce traffic congestion and prevent secondary crashes.
    3. Investigating the causes of the crash: Investigating the causes of crashes can help to identify ways to prevent future crashes.

Conclusion

The Safe System approach is an important step towards reducing road traffic fatalities and creating a safer, more sustainable future. By working together, we can make the roads safer for everyone.