Brighton and Hove fire chief urges drivers to take more care

Brighton and Hove fire chief Mark Matthews has urged drivers to take more care in the area.

The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service borough commander spoke as National Road Safety Week draws to a close today (Sunday 15 June).

The fire service cited information from the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership giving the most common reasons for collisions in Brighton and Hove as
* Failure to look properly
* Careless, reckless or in a hurry
* Failure to judge another person’s path or speed
* Failure to look properly
* Poor turn or manoeuvre

The fire service said that there was no excuse for not paying attention behind the wheel.

Mr Matthews said: “We have a very popular and busy city. Too often we are called out to collisions which could have easily been avoided.

“Visitors and locals alike take to our roads. Some know their way around and others are finding their way. All need to pay attention to what other road users and pedestrians are doing.

“The roads themselves also present challenges. Some roads are very narrow. Others are dual carriageways. Driving appropriately is a must.

“Don’t assume you know the speed limit. Watch out for signs and always check your mirrors. We want to ensure that Brighton and Hove is a place where people can work, live and visit in safety.”

Road Safety Week, which started last Monday (9 June), is organised by the Chief Fire Officers Association.

More information is available at www.esfrs.org/roadsafetyweek.