Project EDWARD – September 13th to 17th 2021

Merseyside Road Safety Partnership is pleased to be supporting Project EDWARD (Every Day Without A Road Death) again this year.

We’re encouraging the people of Merseyside to be honest and ask themselves the question ‘am I fit for the road?’. Every day from September 13th to 17th we’ll be focusing on different types of road user, and what they need to do to be playing their part in keeping themselves and others safe.

Monday 13th – Cyclists
People that cycle in Merseyside are among the most vulnerable road users. We’re asking those that cycle to question:

• Can my clothing be seen in low light?
• Do I have working lights on my bike?
• Could I benefit from more training?
• Do I know the safest cycle routes?

We hope that by encouraging every kind of road user to take accountability for their actions we can create a safe environment for all kinds of travel.

Tuesday 14th – Pedestrians
Sadly, pedestrians in Merseyside often have to face difficult challenges when choosing to use the road on foot. We want them to stay as safe as possible.  We all have to ask ourselves:

• Can I be seen in low light in what I’m wearing?
• Do I always use crossings when they’re there?
• Do I ever cross behind buses?
• Do I know my highway code so I can tell who’s right of way it is?

Small changes are all part of being fit for the road and can make the crucial bit of difference.

Wednesday 15th – Drivers
People driving vehicles have the potential to cause the most damage on the road – that means they have the most important responsibilities. Every driver needs to ask themselves:

• When is my MOT due?
• Have I checked all the medicines I’m taking to make sure they’re safe to drive on?
• Is there a chance I’ll look at my phone while I’m driving if it’s in reach?
• When did I last have an eye test?

Road deaths are preventable: making sure that as drivers we’re fit for the road is critical.

Thursday 16th – Motorcyclists
Nationally, motorcyclists are at particularly high risk.  It’s incredibly important that people who choose to ride motorbikes do everything they can to protect themselves when they’re riding. Ask yourself:

• Do I wear clothing that will protect me in a collision?
• Could any medication I’m taking impact my riding abilities?
• Did I check my bike over this season?
• Should I be wearing glasses when I ride?

If you’re not 100% fit for the road, remember: if there’s any doubt, there’s no doubt. Don’t ride.

Friday 17th – E-scooter users
E-scooters are a new road user group this year.  Riders are vulnerable in collisions with vehicles as they are significantly more exposed. It’s critical that e-scooter riders ask themselves:

• How well do I know the highway code?
• Would I be safer wearing a helmet?
• Am I in a fit mental state to be riding? How many units of alcohol have I had?
• Is there an age limit on the scooter I’m hiring?

Hiring an e-scooter can be a great way to get around the city, but we all need to make sure we’re taking every precaution possible to stay safe.

Support us and Project EDWARD this September by challenging yourself and others with these questions and sharing them on social media.

We share the road. We share the responsibility.