Published at 11:19, Wednesday, 11 July 2012

PEDESTRIANS have been urged to take more care after a “massive increase” in the number killed on Cumbria’s roads this year.

Police said between January and May, three pedestrians lost their lives on Cumbria’s roads, which is three more than the same period last year.

Sergeant Jo Lennox, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: “What may be surprising to hear is that the over sixties age group is over-represented in the causality rate. In fact they account for over fifty per cent of all pedestrians that are killed or seriously injured on Cumbria’s road.

“So far this year we have seen a massive increase in pedestrian causality rates around the county and we don’t want this to continue.”

She urged people to read The Highway Code for advice such as using a pavement where one is available, wearing high visibility clothing when using roads at night and educating themselves and young children about the dangers of using and crossing roads.

Sergeant Lennox said: “Knowing and applying the rules and advice contained within the Highway Code could help reduce the number of road deaths that we see.

“The guidance is common sense but we all can become complacent and sometimes take chances and risks when out and about.

“Our advice is to have patience and don’t rush across roads. Only cross a road when it is safe to do so and don’t assume that the driver has seen you or will slow down or stop.
You may think you are within your rights to cross, but being in the right won’t do you any good when you are injured or killed. It’s better not to take the risk in the first place.

“Alcohol can affect how you perceive risks and this may affect your attitude to road safety. Don’t walk home along unlit roads or on roads without pavements after a night out. Arrange your transport home before you go out so you know you can get home safe and keep back some cash in a separate pocket so you have money for a taxi if you need one or catch a bus.

“Being found drunk on a road could lead to you being arrested or receiving a fixed penalty.”

For more information about the Highway code, visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070108 or buy a copy from a local bookshop.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk