New safety campaign remembers those affected by road death and injury

There's a new safety campaign in Guernsey, remembering those who lost their lives on the island's roads.

Guernsey is taking the opportunity this Road Safety Week to highlight the challenges of our roads and how to reduce potential injury. 

The message of this awareness campaign is 'expect the unexpected'. 

It's hoped messaging to islanders will foster a culture of responsibility and encourage kindness from motorists and pedestrians alike. 

Paul James, Road Safety Officer, has this message:

“Whether it is a fallen branch, a stray wasp, cat in a hedge, a child on a bike, adult walking to work or an unexpected distraction inside the car when driving, no journey is ever the same.

"All road users have a responsibility to be tolerant, kind, follow instructions and leave themselves plenty of time when travelling."

As part of this year's campaign, islanders are being encouraged to refresh their memory and go over the hierarchy of road users.

This places the greatest responsibility on those driving larger, faster vehicles. Motorists are also encouraged to exercise additional care, especially near pedestrians and cyclists, who are more vulnerable.

Jennifer Merrett

Jennifer Merrett, Head of the Guernsey Road Users Network, wants islanders to respect one another: 

"Our community are kind and respectful by majority, however, we need to share our limited road space.

"We are an island, we have limited infrastructure, we have narrow roads, unforgiving granite walls, so we have to share that limited space and people's choice of whether they are walking, cycling, riding a horse or driving needs to be respected.

"We need to share the roads respectfully."

Guernsey children learning cycle safety

As nights get darker, it's also advised that cyclists and pedestrians make themselves as bright as possible. 

Dani Bennett from Living Streets has this advice: 

“Visibility is essential, particularly in low-light conditions, for reducing the risk of accidents.

"Cyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to enhance their visibility where possible, helping motorists and other road users see them more easily.

"Motorists, in turn, are reminded to be especially vigilant in spotting pedestrians and cyclists, giving ample space and approaching cautiously”.

A day of remembrance took place on Sunday (17 November) remembering those who lost their lives on the island's roads.

People in Guernsey came together in a one minute silence and mourn lives lost.