Road Safety

A couple of years ago I received the telephone call that every parent dreads, "There's been a road accident involving your child on the way home from school." The sudden outpourings of panic, fear, shock and emotion in that moment cannot be expressed. Once I arrived at the accident site, the paramedics were there already and my child, although badly bruised and severely shaken, was okay.

In the last 10 weeks, our community has been deeply affected by two fatal bicycle road accidents. There have also been other serious and fatal accidents that has brought the issue of road safety in Hucknall to the fore. School friends of the boys involved have been an inspiration in launching road safety campaign and trying to educate others about road safety

This morning I attended a networking meeting Others attending also had road safety on their minds. I am a believer in all people and groups working together for the greater good. This is what our national president John Minhinick calls joined-up Rotary. I arrived at the meeting feeling that the Rotary Club should be doing something regarding to road safety.

Pupils from the school spoke very passionately about improving safety. Also present at this meeting was the County Councillor responsible for Highways and a local Police officer who is extremely motivated in getting the community to come together in order to educate all ages about road safety.

He particularly encouraged everyone to use the excellent material produced by the Department of Transport called 'Tales of the Road' and said that education was the key. Rather than several small projects taking place and all going in different directions, it was recommended that a Road Safety Committee is formed with support from all groups.

'Tales from the Road' is an excellent resource which deserves greater usage and Road Safety education is an area where I hope that Rotary will be able to help make a difference in our community.