Drive and cycle safely these summer holidays

ROADSAFE North East is highlighting important drive and ride rules, so that motorists and cyclists can all enjoy the roads safely during this busy summer holiday season. ‪‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬Spokesperson for RoadSafe North East, Aaron Scales, said it’s always important to promote a mindset of shared respect between bike riders and motorists and particularly at holiday time, all road users need to behave as one community on the road.‬ “Bike riders have a right to be on the road and motorists should not be surprised, nor resentful of their presence," he said. "We strongly urge motorists to take care when they see a cyclist, slow down and when it’s safe, allow at least 1.5 metres between the cyclist and your vehicle when passing." ‪‬‬‬‬‬‬A renewed focus on ‘Driver Distraction’ will be at the core of RoadSafe North East’s road safety awareness campaign, over the coming month. ‬ The community road safety group is aiming to reactivate its messaging around mobile phone use by drivers. Distracted drivers pose a major risk to other motorists, as well as vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians. Concern about the high rates of mobile phone usage by drivers and their attitudes towards these risky behaviours, has prompted RoadSafe North East to activate the Driver Distraction campaign right across the region. “Multi-tasking has become second nature to many of us, with our busy modern lives, with mobile phones delivering news, entertainment and daily communication," Mr Scales said. "Unfortunately, for some this behaviour extends to when they are behind the wheel, which can lead to disastrous consequences. “We know that drivers who look at their mobile phones, even for a few seconds, are much more likely to be involved in a crash, endangering themselves, the public and other road users." “Taking your eyes off the road to do another task, whether it be checking your phone, selecting music, even having a quick snack can result in a loss of concentration. "The law states that drivers must be in proper control of their vehicle at all times, and there is increasing evidence of drivers being distracted. "Watching screens instead of the road puts both drivers, passengers and other road users at considerable risk and may result in a heavy fine and loss of multiple demerit points." *

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