Fire crews target “driver distraction”

FIREFIGHTERS in Warrington are promoting targeted safety messages during a Road Safety Week which starts today.
“Driver distraction” will be the focus of the campaign which is part of the Chief Fire Officers Association’s national week of activity.
There are three main types of distraction:
• Visual: taking your eyes off the road
• Manual: taking your eyes off the wheel
• Cognitive: taking your mind off driving
Distracted driving activities include things like using a mobile phone, texting, and even eating.
Using in-vehicle technologies (such as navigation systems) can also be a source of distraction. While any of these distractions can endanger the driver and others, texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction
Service delivery manager Sean Henshaw, said: “Road traffic collisions are still the leading cause of death for young adults between 15 and 19. We need to bring down this disproportionately high fatality rate and save young lives, raising awareness in young people, their peers, parents and influencers of the dangers and consequences of driver distraction.
“We actively support CFOA’s campaign to highlight the dangers of distraction to young and inexperienced drivers.”
Station Manager Colin Heyes, the service’s road safety manager, added: “Firefighters and our colleagues in the other emergency services deal with the consequences of road traffic collisions on a daily basis. We constantly work to improve road safety, and I believe the reduction in the number of road casualties we have seen shows the effectiveness of this work.
“This week of events and activities will allow us to engage with partners and our local communities to work towards our ultimate goal of zero deaths and reduced injuries on UK roads.”
Today, firefighters will be at Warrington Fire Station giving a road traffic collision demonstration and talk to Warrington Collegiate students.
On Wednesday, they will again be at Warrington Fire Station giving a road traffic collision demonstration and talking to Collegiate students
On Thursday they will be at Europa Boulevard, engaging with shoppers to give safety advice about distraction, summer driving and arson prevention in vehicles
On Saturday they will be at St Bridgets PTFA giving out road safety information and on Sunday they will be at the Orford Park Festival giving out road safety information.
Birchwood fire crews will be at be at Burtonwood Service Station on Friday, engaging with lorry drivers, giving safety information about distraction and tiredness.
Stockton Heath firefighters will be at  Priestley College on Wednesday  giving a road traffic collision demonstration and safety talk to students
On Thursday June 18 they will be at the Cobbs Primary School, Appleton “Walking with Heroes” event, giving safety messages to the pupils.
Pictured: Firefighters often have to deal with the results of driver distraction.