In South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s area, 171 motorists were stopped by police officers outside seven different Fire Stations during Road Safety Week (10th-14th November). All those stopped were either not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone while driving or a passenger not wearing a seatbelt.
When given the option, just three people opted for the fine/penalty points and 168 people preferred to come through the doors of the Fire Stations and watch a hard-hitting, 10-15 minute presentation.
100% of those who attended the presentations said they would tell others about it and 98% said it had changed their perception of the dangers of driving without a seatbelt or whilst using a mobile phone.
In the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service areas, the following Fire Stations were targeted:
Merthyr Tydfil, Tonypandy, Cardiff Central and Barry (South Wales Police area) which resulted in 90 offenders being stopped by police.
Caerphilly, Abercarn and Ebbw Vale (Gwent Police area) which resulted in 78 offenders being stopped by police.
Group Manager Rob Morris, Head of Road Safety for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:
The week proved to be a huge success in getting through to some very at-risk motorists who were not wearing seatbelts or were using their mobile phones whilst driving.
It’s very encouraging that 100% of offenders felt that this campaign was worthwhile and a greater deterrent than the enforcement approach and would also influence their behaviour in the long term.
Due to its success, the three Fire and Rescue Services and four Police Services are now in consultation regarding similar future initiatives.
On average75% of those who took part in the presentation were male and 65% were aged over 25.
Road Safety Manager for South Wales Police, Wayne Tucker said,
Road Safety Week has proved to be a great success in Wales and shows how education can be just as effective, if not more effective, than enforcement.
We hope the drivers who watched the hard-hitting video, will pass the message onto their friends and family that wearing a seatbelt will save your life and using a mobile phone whilst driving could take your life.
When stopping the offending drivers, police officers were not surprised to hear the age-old excuses, which ranged from “I forgot” to “I’m having a bad day”! After all the campaigning and publicity, there are no excuses left.
The truth is that when you get into a car, you’re responsible for a potentially lethal weapon. Do not put yourself, your passengers and other road users’ safety into jeopardy.
Sergeant Martin Wilce, Gwent Police Collision Investigation Unit said;
It is encouraging that nearly all the motorists who were stopped and chose to watch the presentation changed their perception about how important it is to take simple road safety measures such as wearing a seatbelt.
“However, it is still very concerning that people are still choosing to risk their own safety when behind the wheel as well as that of their passengers and other road users.
Do you think this presentation has been beneficial?
Yes 97% No 2% don’t know 1%
How long is it since you passed your driving test?
1-5yrs 23% 5-10yrs 11% 10-15yrs 20% 15-20yrs 20% 20yrs + 18%
8% Passengers
Do you think this form of education rather than enforcement is worthwhile?
Yes 98% No 1% Don’t know 1%
Has this presentation changed your perception as to possible dangers of not wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone whilst driving?
Will you tell others about this?
Yes 100% No 0
Male 72% Female 28%
Age: 17 – 25 31% 25+ 66% Nil return 3%
1-5yrs 22% 5-10yrs 10% 10-15yrs 21% 15-20yrs 21% 20yrs 21%
5% Passengers
Yes 100% No 0 Don’t know 0
Yes 99% No 1% Don’t know 0
Male 76% Female 24%
Age: 17 – 25 36% 25+ 63% Nil Return 1%
Reasons given for not wearing seatbelt or using mobile phone:
Tel: 01443 232164 Fax: 01443 23216
Email: press_office@southwales-fire.gov.uk