WITH AROUND 2900 casualties recorded each year on Scotland’s roads, the importance of the current Road Safety week is being reiterated today by one of the campaign backers, Specsavers.
insideMoray has been following tips provided by regional MSP and road safety campaigner David Stewart all week – today we also hear from the Specsavers Elgin store director, Peter Taylor.
Peter highlights how sight-related accidents are costing around £33million each year – and as an official partner for Road Safety Week, Specsavers is calling for the quarter of drivers who have not had an eye examination in two years to visit the Elgin store.
Specsavers in Elgin is also encouraging kids in the town to make their own pledge to stay safe – youngsters can submit their pledge in store of how they plan to be seen and stay safe in Elgin. Every child who participates is in with a chance to win a hi-vis kids pack which includes a high visibility vest, stickers and bike lights.
Peter told insideMoray: “I was shocked to learn that poor driver vision alone leads to 55 casualties every single week and costs an estimated £33 million. A regular eye examination is a legal requirement for drivers but it is your personal responsibility to ensure you are having your eyes tested frequently.
“We would urge every road user to make a BRAKE pledge to make our roads safer. Your pledge can be as simple as booking an eye examination, carrying a spare pair of specs in your car, not driving when tired, or even to drive less and use public transport more.
“We are also encouraging kids to make a pledge of their own to ensure they are seen by drivers in the town.”
Gary Rae, director of communications and campaigns from BRAKE says: “I’d like to thank Specsavers in Elgin for their ongoing support for Road Safety Week. Our theme this year is action-orientated and anyone can make and share the Brake Pledge.
“Our survey shows that drivers are aware of the threat of risky behaviour by other drivers, but are inclined to play down the risks involved with their own behaviour. Everyone who drives has to step up and take responsibility. If every driver vowed to make the Break Pledge, then our roads would be safer places for everyone.
“Road Safety Week presents an opportunity for drivers to stop and think about their own behaviour and for everyone to share the Pledge and raise awareness of casualties and pollution.”
For further information on the Brake pledge for Road Safety Week, please visit: http://www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk/our-theme/ or visit Specsavers located at 96 High Street, Elgin.