Over the past week, vulnerable road users, who include pedal cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and motorcyclists, have been the focus of a Police Scotland initiative to Keep Scotland’s Roads Safe.
The numbers of vulnerable road users tends to increase during the summer months as they look to take advantage of longer days and improved weather. Recent statistics show that there has been a decrease in pedestrian casualties but an increase in pedal cyclist and motorcyclist casualties. As such we must all work together to make the roads safer for everyone.
During the last week Police Scotland’s officer’s detected 1171 vehicles speeding, 218 motorists driving whilst using a mobile phone. 113 were reported for Careless or Dangerous driving during this period. Along with this the Scottish Safety Camera partnerships detected 1209 vehicles speeding.
A number of notable incidents occurred during the initiative, including:-
On 7 July 2013 a 66 year old male was found to be driving a car in Dundee over four times the drink drive limit. He was kept in custody and a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
On 10 July 2013 a 59 year old male crashed his car on a rural road in Ayrshire and was found to be nearly four times the drink drive limit.  He was kept in custody and a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
On 11 July 2013 a 79 year old pedal cyclist was seriously injured following a collision with a lorry on the B9080 near Winchburgh, West Lothian. He later died in hospital from his injuries
On 11 July 2013 a pedestrian was struck by a car on the A96 near Keith. The pedestrian sustained serious injuries as a result.
Inspector Tracey Robinson, Divisional Road Policing Unit Edinburgh, said “Our officers have been patrolling Scotland’s roads focusing on educating everyone about the vulnerability of certain groups of road users. It is disappointing that a number of motorists are still not heeding our advice. All road users must be aware of their surroundings at all times. This is particularly important when carrying out manoeuvres at junctions, roundabouts and whilst reversing. In particular, be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists who sometimes travel in groups. When one passes be aware that another could be travelling behind.
“It is imperative that motorists not only look but also see other road users. At this time of year, with the school holidays in full swing motorists need to be acutely aware of children playing near roads. Their behaviour can be unpredictable, so be prepared to stop. Children can be more interested in what is on the other side of the street rather than looking out for vehicles.
“Keeping Scotland’s road safe requires all road users to work together, enjoy the roads but travel safely and adhere to road traffic legislation.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
