Sussex Safer Roads Partnership supports the NPCC Vulnerable Road Users Campaign

Throughout September road users will be reminded of the importance of respecting the roads and each other this autumn. Sussex Safer Roads Partnership provides road safety advice to all motorists throughout the year, providing helpful guidance and advice along with promoting resources to improve safety on the roads. This month, SSRP will focus on improving road safety for cyclists, equestrians, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

Data demonstrates that Vulnerable Road Users are disproportionately at risk of being Killed or Seriously Injured compared to other road users. 2020 saw the highest pedal cycle KSI in all years since 20005 when SSRP records start. Between 2018 and 2020, there were 545 pedal cycle KSIs across Sussex, which accounts for 18% of all KSIs across Sussex. For the same period, there were 536 pedestrian KSIs across the county –amounting to 17% of KSIs. For both road user groups, September shows the highest occurrences of incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, with June also showing a peak in collisions for cyclists. Anecdotally, this could be due to improved weather in June and the return to school for students in September.

Motorcyclists represent almost a quarter of fatal or serious injury collisions, despite only making up 5% of vehicles on the roads. It is important that a collective approach to road safety is taken to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on Sussex road networks, with all road users encouraged to respect the roads and each other.

Throughout the campaign road users will be provided with guidance and information on how to proactively mange their individual safety, whilst debunking common misconceptions about ‘appropriate’ and ‘inappropriate’ behaviour on the roads.

The campaign also coincides with Project EDWARD (Every Day Without A Road Death) – with this year’s theme exploring ‘Fitness for the Roads’. Make sure you and your vehicle are ready for the roads this September. Find out more about Project EDWARD this September via their website: www.projectedward.org.

A spokesperson for Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, commented: “We hope this campaign serves as a timely reminder to all road users n to share the roads responsibly, respecting the roads and each other whatever the reason for our journey. With more people heading back to work and school, along with participating in active travel, we all have a part to play in ensuring the roads of Sussex remain a safe place for all.”

Further information around the campaign can be found on SSRP’s Twitter @SussexSRP