Arriving safely - that is the aim of the new specialist transport strategy of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. In keeping with the social media age, it is based on the guiding principle "Hashtag LIFE" (#LEBEN). Fewer deaths and serious injuries in traffic accidents is the declared goal of Vision Zero and thus the core of the state-wide specialist strategy for traffic.
A constant companion during the campaign days: the #LEBEN
The campaign days started with the topic of "motorcycles". The road safety advisors have put up posters on popular motorcycle routes in the HSK to make bikers aware that our challenging routes in Sauerland require a lot of concentration and attention. The first posters have been put up in the Sundern area. Other locations will follow in the next few days.
On April 14, the HSK police traffic service delved deeper into this topic and carried out an inspection day. The main focus here was on motorcyclists, their speeds and the condition of the motorcycles. In close cooperation with the road safety advisors, preventative talks were also sought with bikers at various checkpoints. Information flyers were distributed and mutual caution and consideration was encouraged among motorists and motorcyclists.
The campaign continued with the start of cycle training at elementary school. The road safety advisors prepare fourth-graders for cycling in road traffic. They visit the schools over four days. Theoretical and practical training sessions cover topics such as starting from the edge of the road, turning, crossing the road or riding past an obstacle.
Another traffic service control day also took place during the campaign days. On April 17, the officers took a closer look at freight traffic on the roads of the HSK.
According to a traffic forecast published by the Federal Ministry of Transport, freight and passenger traffic will increase by 39% and 13% respectively by 2030. The NRW police regularly carry out checks in the area of commercial passenger and freight traffic. The main focus is on compliance with driving and rest periods and the correct securing of loads. Securing the load makes a significant contribution to road safety. This is why load safety is one of the daily duties in commercial freight transport - belted + lashed = secured!
The pedelec training at the start of the cycling season marked the end of the campaign week. Many people get on their bikes for the first time since the winter break in the spring or perhaps even buy their first pedelec. Unfortunately, the number of road accidents also increases in this context. A pedelec is different from a bicycle. The differences between the two two-wheeled vehicles are greater than you might think. Although a pedelec does not necessarily go much faster than a bicycle, the former accelerates much faster. Pedelecs are also significantly heavier and brake more slowly. Insecurities that already exist on a bicycle are often exacerbated. For these reasons, the police recommend that all new pedelec riders and anyone who wants to improve their riding skills after the winter should take part in a riding and safety training course.
Even with the conclusion of the campaign days, prevention is and remains the key to preventing road accidents. The road safety advisors take every age group with them and offer tailor-made training and advice sessions for the various target and age groups as part of their prevention work.
