Travel and transport in the UK is responsible for about a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions every year and 1/5th this pollution happens on journeys which are less than 5 miles.
Road Safety Week is an annual event beginning on Sunday 19th November. It is a crucial reminder of the need for safe practices on our roads. The week aims to bring attention to the high rates of road accidents and promote measures that can save lives. It also brings communities together to highlight the importance of safe behaviour for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
This week is a collective call to action. Whether you’re driving, crossing the street, or cycling, your choices matter. It’s an opportunity to reconsider our habits, eliminate distractions, and prioritise safety in every journey. Schools, communities, and organisations play a crucial role during Road Safety Week by organising awareness campaigns, workshops, and engaging activities. These initiatives instil the significance of responsible road behaviour from a young age, fostering a safety-conscious culture for future generations.
Keeping safe when walking or cycling to school become even more important this time of year, as the mornings and nights become darker. Wearing high-vis and keeping to well lit areas, can mean you can keep safe whilst also travelling sustainably. If you have to use a car, small actions, such as wearing seat belts, observing speed limits, and staying focused on the road, can collectively make a substantial difference. Driving responsibly can also reduce our carbon footprint, with lower acceleration saving fuel and emissions. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone on our journeys, ensuring that each road trip contributes to a secure and accident-free future.
Take a look at the Climate Education resources for Sustainable Travel and Health. For example, our Travel and Clean Air Audit Lesson Plans: Sustainable Travel & Health
During this Road Safety Week, why not get your staff and students involved in more sustainable methods of travel to school and work? Teach your students about how to safely travel to school in a way which is beneficial for their health and our planet.
Did you know you are at higher risk of breathing in air pollution sat in a car than you are on a bike or walking, even in busy areas? And with air pollution being a linked to 36,000 early deaths a year it is something we cannot ignore.
