“All road users have a role to play and a responsibility to keep our roads safe”

Monday 14 November 2022

Road Safety Week kicks off today with a varied programme of events planned for the coming days sharing safety messages as the nights continue to draw in.

The annual event is coordinated by UK road safety charity BRAKE, and the theme for this year is “safe roads for all – every life on our roads matters, and every death and injury is preventable”.

The Guernsey Road Users Network (GRUN) believe this year’s theme is “very appropriate” for the Bailiwick.

“Our aim is to work together to enhance, encourage and promote safe travel on our island,” said Jennifer Merrett, Chair of GRUN. 

“We hope Road Safety Week will make everyone more aware of the challenges we all face when navigating our daily journeys, with the ultimate aim of reducing and avoiding injuries on Guernsey’s roads.”

Pictured: GRUN say that Guernsey's limited street lighting makes travelling on the roads when dark especially dangerous.

Paul James, Road Safety Officer at States’ Traffic & Highway Services, pointed out there is little need to hurry on Guernsey’s roads no matter what form of transport is used.

“Did you know the average moving speed between a car and a bike in Guernsey is only around 5mph? There are nearly always times when we need to use the car, but when you don’t the chances are if you factor in any time stuck in traffic and looking for a parking space you would almost certainly be quicker getting on your ‘shang’,” he said. 

The Guernsey Motor Trades Association highlighted the ‘fatal four’ causes of road traffic accidents which are used by the emergency services in their messaging: speed, phones, seat belts and drink driving. 

It will be posting on its social media pages throughout the week to raise awareness of these dangers. 

St John Emergency Ambulance Service said its responsibility in the community means it sees “first-hand the consequences of road traffic collisions on Guernsey’ s roads, whether that is the physical injuries which require medical treatment or the mental health implications, not only for those directly involved, but also for bystanders and witnesses, family members and friends, as well as the emergency service personnel who respond to these incidents. 

“All road users have a role to play and a responsibility to keep our roads safe, so these issues are not only relevant to the young people who are the next generation of drivers but to everyone who gets behind the wheel of a car. Road Safety week is all about making our roads safer for everyone, so we would also encourage cyclists to wear helmets and both pedestrians and cyclists to make sure they can see and be seen, especially during the dark mornings and evenings.”

Pictured: Road users can expect to see Police patrolling the streets. 

Guernsey’s cycle shops are also offering reductions of safety products this week. 

• Ian Browns – 15% discount on all high-visibility clothing when the customer quotes ‘cycle safety week’.
• Cycle World – 15% discount on all lights and 10% on reflective clothing.
• Adventure Cycles – Half-price front and back light combo and 10% on reflective clothing.

Guernsey Bicycle Group welcomed the offers: “Big shout out to our amazing cycle shops here on the island. They’ve all stepped up to support islanders get visible as part of Road Safety Week 2022.

“We urge everyone to go stock up on staples like hi-vis and lights. It doesn’t hurt to have a spare set in your office desk or in your bag, for those times plans change and you’re caught out.” 

Bailiwick Law Enforcement said police officers will be ramping up vehicle checks and will concentrate on the visibility of pedestrians and cyclists. 

Island Coachways is also inviting school children onto one of its buses to raise awareness of blind spots.