Driving the change: effective measures to road mishaps

Posted in Blog

Fostering a culture of awareness and protection via information and resources is crucial.

Our Occupational Therapists work hard when aiding recovery for those who are suffering from a brain injury, and that is no more truthful than when it comes to the work we do with road crash victims.

At Krysalis we work to make a positive difference in the world, and that can start here, by working to prevent one of the main causes of traumatic brain injuries.

So, what can we do?

Follow traffic rules: Adhere to speed limits, traffic signals, and road signs to ensure the safety of both you and others.

UK law states that failing to comply with traffic signs, such as stop signs, traffic lights, or double white lines, is an offence. The consequences can include fines, points on your driving record, or even prosecution. (1)

Wear safety gear: Always wear a seat belt, and always wear a helmet when riding a bike or motorcycle.

UK law states you must wear a seat belt when one is provided, and you can be fined up to £500 if you do not wear one when you are supposed to. (2) It also states you must wear a safety helmet that meets British safety standards when riding a motorcycle or moped on the road. (3)

Avoid distractions: Stay focused on the road, avoid using mobile phones or other distractions while driving. Never drive under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other medications that could affect your health.

UK law states...

It is illegal to drive (or ride) while using any device that can receive or send data

Failure to comply will result in 6 penalties on your licence, and a £200 fine

If you passed your test within 2 years of being caught for this offence, you would also lose your licence

You can also be taken to court where you may be banned from driving or receive a maximum fine of £1,000 (4)

UK law also states that while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you could face a minimum of a 1-year driving ban, an unlimited fine, and up to 6 months in prison. (5)

Report road hazards: If you notice severe potholes, broken traffic signals, or any other hazards, report them to the local authorities.

UK law states that local authorities have a duty to maintain public highways and are required to take reasonable action to prevent and repair potholes and any other hazards on the roads.

Participate in road safety programmes: Join or organize road safety campaigns to educate others about the importance of road safety.

Although road safety programmes are not mandatory for all, and it is a personal choice should you want to re-educate yourselves on the importance of road safety, UK law states that attendance to these courses can be used as an alternative prosecution for certain driving offences. (6)

Take an advanced driving course: Advanced driving courses prepare drivers to exhibit a higher understanding of road and vehicle safety, be more confident in handling various driving challenges, and be better defensive drivers (defensive meaning learning skills such as skid recovery, ABS stop exercises, and more).

There is no law that mandates drivers to take advanced driving courses – they are not a legal requirement but are highly recommended for drivers looking to enhance their abilities behind the wheel.

Speeding is selfish, unfair and it puts so many lives at risk.

Nick Simmons, CEO of RoadPeace (7)

Commemorate, learn, act!

Whether you are friends and family of a road crash victim, a part of the local community or policymakers, or a teacher and mentor, we can all do our bit to help contribute to better road safety.

Each year Road Victim Month organisers, RoadPeace, raise awareness by creating a fundraiser during May for the UN Global Road Safety Week, but their message is still clear and relevant to Road Victim Month: make a united stand against road death and injury. (8)

2024’s challenge took place 13th–19th May, and the goal was to run, cycle or walk a collective 1,766 miles to symbolize the 1,766 killed on UK roads in 2022.

Supporters took to their local areas in teams, or solo, to take part in the event and various local authorities across the country also got involved to donate and raise awareness.

Could you do a similar thing amongst your own community this August? Why don’t you try...

Putting on a bake sale or coffee morning

Attending a road safety programme in your local area

Going on a fundraising walk or run

Sharing information on your social media

Talking to friends and family about the awareness month

Volunteering at a local community event

Commemorating Road Victim Month is essential as it serves multiple purposes. Not only is it a time to remember and honour those who have tragically lost their lives or suffered injuries in road traffic crashes, but it also acts as a poignant reminder of how improved road safety can be a life-changing act for the future.

Occupational therapy is a solution to what happens after a road crash, but these preventative measures can decrease the risk of road crashes and reduces one of the leading causes of TBI (traumatic brain injury).

To find out more about how road crash victim Ronny was left with a life-changing injury, and how Krysalis Neurological Occupational Therapists helped him, see our 'recently on' below.