McArthur backs Road Safety Week 2022

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur, has highlighted the need for safer driving as Road Safety Week 2022 begins. Organised by the charity Brake, Road Safety Week involves thousands of schools, organisations and communities in raising awareness of how to make our roads safer.

Earlier this summer it was revealed through statistics published by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service that Orkney has the highest five-year average of road traffic collision fatalities in Scotland. It prompted a multi-agency event in Kirkwall which demonstrated how the majority of road traffic accidents are caused by the 'fatal five' of dangerous/careless driving and offences in regard to speeding, seatbelts, mobile phones, drink and drug driving.

McArthur also recently highlighted during a debate in parliament the urgent need to complete dualling of the A9 to improve road safety on the carriageway well-used by travellers to and from Orkney. It follows confirmation that road traffic collision fatalities on the A9 have reached the highest level in 12 years with 14 deaths this year alone.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

"While we have thankfully witnessed a drop in road causalities on a national level over recent years, there has been a worrying rise here in Orkney. This will be of real concern to the local community who continue to largely depend on cars for getting around the county.

"The theme of this year's Road Safety Week is 'Safe Roads for All' which is a timely reminder of the role all road users hold in driving safely and responsibly. No one should ever take our roads for granted and I'd encourage everyone to take steps to keep informed of best practice for safe driving.

"On Road Safety Week, I want to pay tribute to our emergency services for their vital work to reduce casualties and caring for those impacted by road incidents. Can I also thank all local road safety professionals for their year-round efforts in our schools and local communities to promote safer driving."