LOOK out for vulnerable road users during the second lockdown, police in Warwickshire have urged.
Warwickshire Police is asking motorists to again take extra care around walkers, runners, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders as indoor exercise facilities close and the days grow shorter.
The force is highlighting the needs of vulnerable road users as part of a National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) campaign aimed at improving their safety.
Sergeant Shaun Bridle said: “Vulnerable road users do not have the same protection as a driver sitting in a vehicle, and even relatively minor contact can seriously injure them. For this reason we are asking drivers to please take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders using the roads.
“Everyone has the right to travel on the road safely, whether by car, motorcycle, pedal cycle, horse or on foot. However the challenges for walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders are greater this autumn than they were during the first lockdown in March with less daylight now and poorer weather.
“If you are working from home, please consider exercising before work in daylight using the time you would usually spend commuting or speak to your employers about starting work later or taking a longer lunch break so that you can exercise in daylight.
“Whatever the time of day please consider wearing a hi-vis waistcoat or carrying a bright light to increase your visibility to others, and if you are exercising alone, tell someone where you are going. Your safety is paramount, please don’t always assume a driver has seen you.”
Warwickshire Police’s latest statistics show the most vulnerable road users in Warwickshire in 2019 were motorcyclists and cyclists.
Over a third of fatalities were motorcyclists, with 12 losing their lives in 2019 – higher than the national average of 19 per cent. Four people were killed cycling in Warwickshire in 2019, while a further 24 were seriously injured and 74 suffered slight injuries.
A Warwickshire Police spokesperson said: “Motorcyclists can be difficult for other road users to see, and are often moving quicker than you might think. Motorcyclists can also be affected by side wind, when being overtaken and are often injured when cars pull out of junctions.
“Cyclists can be difficult to see, have a tendency to wobble, and are easily affected by side wind when being overtaken. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable at roundabouts as they cannot move off very quickly. Cyclists ride away from the kerb to avoid drains and debris and to be more easily seen.
“Take extra care when overtaking cyclists and to leave plenty of space.”
Visit https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/operationsnap for more information on Operation Snap, Warwickshire Police’s initiative to improve road safety – including how to submit footage of traffic offences.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/yx8hbqec for more advice on vulnerable road users.
