Clackmannanshire Council Online

Road Safety

Road Safety

Road Safety in Clackmannanshire

Safety when travelling effects everyone in their daily routine. Giving the ability to travel safely by all modes of transport is a priority for local government, especially where children and vulnerable groups are concerned. As the volume and speed of vehicles on the roads increases, the risk to public safety when travelling is more apparent.

The Roads and Transportation Team aims to minimise both the real and perceived hazards to drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and vulnerable groups including the elderly and the young. By evaluating those streets and areas that have both real and perceived road safety issues, we prioritise our work programmes to deal with the main problem areas first. A balance is required nevertheless when developing traffic calming schemes as we do not wish to alienate the motorist.

The Team works closely with schools and the education authority to develop and promote Safer Routes to School.

10 things about Road Safety that you should know

1. At 40mph your vehicle will probably kill any pedestrian it hits, at 20mph there is only a 1 in 20 chance of the pedestrian being killed.
2. 30mph is the maximum speed in urban areas, however in most cases a lower speed is appropriate.
3. If you wish to cross a road and there is a pedestrian crossing nearby use it!
4. The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists, give them their space.
5. In residential areas, schools and busy shopping streets, 20mph is the appropriate speed.
6. Use your indicators, both when approaching and leaving a roundabout.
7. Pedestrians and cyclists be seen at night, wear reflective clothing and use lights.
8. Reduce your speed at roadworks to protect the workforce.
9. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
10. Do not make unnecessary journeys when the weather is bad. If you must travel reduce your speed accordingly.

You can refer to our Speed Limits page for more information.

Clackmannanshire Road Safety Plan

The Road Safety Plan for the period 2010 - 2014 is complete and due to be published here shortly. In the meantime you can view or download The Clackmannanshire Road Safety Plan for the period 2006 - 2009.

Statistics

Road Accident Casualty Reduction Targets

Based on annual average casualty rates over the period 1994 – 1998, it is hoped that by 2010 (averaged 2008 - 2012) there will be, compared with the average for 1994 –1998:

• A 40% reduction in the number of people killed or serious injured in road accidents;
• A 50% reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured; and
• A 10% reduction in the slight casualty rate, expressed as the number of people slightly injured per 100 million vehicle kilometres.

Scotland's Road Safety Framework to 2020 sets out the Scottish Road Safety Targets (set against a baseline of the average Scottish figures for 2004 - 2008):

• A 30% reduction in the number of people killed in road accidents by 2015 and 40% by 2020;
• A 43% reduction in the number of people seriously injured in road accidents by 2015 and 55% by 2020;
• A 35% reduction in the number of children under 16 killed in road accidents by 2015 and 50% by 2020;
• A 50% reduction in the number of children under 16 seriously injured in road accidents by 2015 and 65% by 2020; and
• A 10% reduction in the number of people slightly injured in road accidents by 2020.

Railway Safety

Level crossings along the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail link are now operational. Vehicles and pedestrians must obey any stop signals displayed.

You can also view or download our information booklet entitled A Guide to Noise and Vibration.

Road Safety for Motorcyclists

The two most common accidents involving motorcyclists occur at junctions and when overtaking. Drivers of cars and other vehicles should use their mirrors and be more observant in looking and listening for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists themselves can also reduce their risk of being involved in an accident by following these tips:

1. Be as visible as possible to other drivers
2. Anticipate that drivers may not have seen you and be prepared for their actions
3. Plan ahead on approach to junctions
4. Watch out for vehicles emerging from driveways, side roads and from gaps in traffic queues
5. Be aware of oncoming vehicles which may turn right across your path, or when the vehicle being overtaken suddenly moves to turn right
6. Anticipate the presence of hazards concealed from view by bends, vegetation or other vehicles
7. Be aware that due to its narrower size, motorcycles can easily be overlooked or completely hidden from view by lighting columns, telegraph poles etc. along the drivers line of site
8. In traffic queues, look for clues like the front wheels of a vehicle turning before a driver makes a U turn.
9. Choose appropriate speeds on approach to junctions and bends.
10. Be aware that slow moving vehicles emerging from side roads cannot give way to a motorcycle that cannot yet be seen, but then appears at high speed before the manoeuvre is complete.

*The above is based on information prepared by RoSPA.