The NIHR SRMRC hosted a road awareness event at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham on 24 March 2015, as part of their Science of Trauma: Outcomes and Prevention series.Take Care Be Aware was run in partnership with Birmingham Connected, the transport arm of Birmingham City Council, and West Midlands Police.
The event aimed to raise pedestrians’, cyclists’ and drivers’ awareness of other road users. A Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) cab took centre stage, with visitors able to sit in the driver’s seat to gain an understanding of how difficult it can be for drivers to see objects close to the vehicle. Experts from the council-run safer cycling scheme Bike Right and two West Midlands Police traffic officers were also on hand, providing expert tips on cycle safety and road awareness. Other leaflets, tips, maps and freebies were available at the information stand.
ITV central television and BBC West Midlands radio also came along to highlight the event to a wider audience, both of which are available to watch and listen to on catch up television and radio, respectively. Professor Tony Belli, director of the NIHR SRMRC, was interviewed along with Steve South, a lorry driver for DHL, and Dan Watson, a cycling expert from Bike Right.
Professor Belli said, “We are delighted to work in partnership with other local services to promote road awareness, in an attempt to prevent traumatic injuries on the roads. We hope that this event highlighted the importance of awareness on the road and the challenges faced for different road users.
“It is extremely important for all road users to be aware of their own and others rights and responsibilities so that we can all travel safely throughout the region.”
The NIHR SRMRC intends to continue their cycle safety campaign in the autumn, where they will host another informative and interactive event for students on campus at the University of Birmingham.
