Roadside Flowers Campaign final stage - 18th December 2009
On Monday 21st December the "Flowers at the roadside" road safety campaign enters its final phase. Fresh flowers will be placed along stretches of the A6 from Luton to North Bedfordshire and new posters will reveal the final message in this three-part campaign. The last thought-provoking poster uses a shock message to stress the hazard of failing to use seatbelts by highlighting the potentially fatal consequences.
Since Sir Jimmy Savile promoted "Clunk Click every trip" in 1971 seatbelt use has increased with more than 90% of the population now using them, but those who fail to recognise their importance are still involved in fatal crashes. This campaign, which is part of the Bedfordshire and Luton Casualty Reduction’s long-term “Belt-Up for Life” project, aims to increase seatbelt usage further to help prevent more deaths and serious injuries.
Speaking on behalf of the Partnership, Cllr McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities for Central Bedfordshire Council said: “Too many people are dying in road traffic crashes. It’s important that we raise awareness of the hazards of failing to use the correct seatbelts and child restraints which can make the difference between life and death in the event of a collision.”
Cllr Don Worlding, Executive Member with responsibility for Transport for Luton Borough Council added:“Most people wear seatbelts most of the time, but too often people think that on a short trip, or at low speed, it is not necessary. The reality is that no-one plans to be involved in a crash and, even at low speeds, drivers and passengers can die if not properly restrained.”
