Stay safe on the roads this Christmas

EMERGENCY services in Warrington have a simple message this Christmas: Stay safe on the roads.
The last festive season saw 220 collisions on Cheshire’s roads during the period of December 1 to January 1 Two of these collisions resulted in deaths and 38 with serious injuries.
This Christmas, Warrington-based Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane  and the county’s emergency services, are teaming up to educate motorists of the consequences of the “fatal four” – inappropriate speed, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt and drink or drug driving.
Mr Keane said: “It is really important that the public is aware of the fatal four and the consequences they can have not just for themselves but, ultimately, for other innocent road users.
“It would be really pleasing to see the number of collisions on our roads reduce this year because the safety of people on and around our roads is so incredibly important.
“I am urging residents to stick to the speed limit, wait until you get home before you make that phone call, put your seatbelt on, and don’t get behind the wheel under the influence. Why risk it?”
Colin Heyes, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s road safety manager said: “Christmas can be a stressful time which can see us rushing around trying to get everything in order for the big day.
“This can lead to excess speed as people drive around trying to bag a bargain, forgetting to put seatbelts on as they try and remember what’s on their ‘to do’ list, using their mobile phone while driving as they let their partner know they are on their way home, and getting behind the wheel after Christmas party celebrations. But, what good is all of that if you don’t make it to Christmas because you, or your passengers, are
seriously injured or worse in a road traffic collision?
Superintendent Paul Beauchamp, who heads up Cheshire police’s taskforce said: “One death on our roads is one too many and we are committed to doing everything we can to make our roads safer. However, this is not something that the police and fire service can tackle alone – everyone has a role to play.”