West Midlands Fire Service and the region's Road Safety Partnership have joined forces with schools and local authorities for Road Safety Week 2012 [19-25 Nov].

Today marks the start of a series of activities designed to drive home the safety message, in support of the national initiative coordinated by the road safety charity 'Brake'.

Peter Francis, Manager of the West Midlands Road Safety Partnership, said: "Road Safety Week is a great opportunity for everyone to remind themselves about key safety points. We want people to 'Be Bright, Be Seen' and to be prepared for winter. It's important for drivers to think about their own safety, but also that of other road users."

This year's theme is 'Slower speeds = happy people', with Brake working to raise awareness of the need to make it safer for people to walk or cycle to work or school, or for their health and leisure. They are also calling on drivers to slow down around homes, schools and shops.

WMFS will be supporting other members of the West Midlands Road Partnership in a number of activities. Samantha Lewis, Manager of the WMFS Road Casualty Reduction Team, said: "As we move into winter, there are lots more reasons to be extra careful on the roads.

"We're urging pedestrians and cyclists to wear something bright and reflective to make sure drivers can see them in the dark, and reminding drivers to clear windscreens and windows on wintry mornings."

Fire crews and WMFS staff will be at several venues during the week, giving advice on winter driving and in-car safety, and road safety advice for pedestrians and cyclists - for a full list of events taking place visit www.wmfs.net and follow @WMFSRCRT on Twitter.

Posted 20/11/2012 by richard.hook@pavpub.com