The Bedfordshire and Luton Casualty Reduction Partnership took part in the Bedford River Festival Carnival Parade this weekend for the Bedfordshire launch of their “Belt-Up for LIFE” campaign.

Road safety officers from Bedfordshire County Council and Luton Borough Council and Bedfordshire Police staff teamed up to create a float with a “Safer Roads for Everyone” theme.

They were joined by well-loved special guests Spike the Hedgehog, Sir Jimmy “Clunk Click” Saville and the legendary chicken who crossed the road. All were greeted with cheers from the crowd along the route.

The team gave out road safety information to the thousands of people who gathered to watch the parade, including fun and informative DVDs called “Are you fitted safely?” and height charts showing which child seats, booster cushions and seat belts should be used as children grow up.

“Belt-Up for LIFE” is a two-year campaign to increase the use of seat belts and child restraints and cut the number of people killed and seriously injured in road traffic collisions.  

Christine Davy, Road Safety Manager for Luton Borough Council said “The parade was a great way to get a serious message and information across to people in a relaxed and fun environment.  For most people, wearing a seat belt is instinctive - but not for everyone.  It’s also really important that anybody who carries child passengers understands how to belt them up them safely. In the event of a road traffic collision seat belts and child restraints save lives – and Belt Up for LIFE is all about saving lives and reducing injuries.”

Money was also collected for the Partnership’s nominated charity, Road Victim’s Trust, who do invaluable work to support people whose lives have been affected by serious road traffic collisions in Bedfordshire and Luton.