DEVON & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is joining with other fire and rescue services across the country for a week of activity promoting road safety to local communities.

The focus of the week is to ensure road safety messages are send out to all road users, in particular pedestrians, young drivers, cyclists and bikers.

The overarching message of this year’s UK Road Safety Week is ‘Be Safe Out There’.

Within Devon and Somerset we have one of the largest networks of rural roads in the UK which are used by thousands of visitors every year, as well as our resident communities.

A death or injury on the road effect’s not only the person involved but has a knock on effect to families and friends.

Lives can be destroyed by the loss of a loved one or changed forever by having to care for a family member with life-changing injuries.

Paul Fuller, President of the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) said: “We know that the fire and service has already helped to improve road safety, through targeted local educational programmes and that FRSs are world leaders in casualty care and extrication techniques after Road Traffic Collisions.

“Events and activities throughout the week will allow us to engage with partners and our local communities to work towards our ultimate goal of zero deaths and reduced injuries on UK roads.”

This week we will be at:-

- 11 June – A partnership event in Princesshay with the Travel Devon team talking to pedestrians and cyclists

- 14 June – A young driver event at Westpoint Exeter – AA under 17 driving experience day

- 15 June – A Bike Fest at Westpoint talking with motorcyclists

- 15 June - Dowland Country Fair taking a fire engine and the VW simulator -

http://www.dowlandcountryfair.org.uk/index.htm For more information visit CFOA Road Safety Week

Visit the website for more information on Road Safety in Devon and Somerset.