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Kent's road bosses pledge support for Europe-wide Project EDWARD

Kent's road bosses have reaffirmed their commitment to reducing the number of serious crashes on our roads.

Representatives from Kent County Council, Highways England, Kent Police and the county's fire service have met at County Hall in Maidstone to discuss ways of improving road safety.

The number of people killed or seriously injured on the county's road in the past year has gone down, but road chiefs say bad driving is becoming the biggest cause of serious crashes.

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Representatives from KCC, Kent Police, Highways England and Kent Fire and Rescue Service took part in the campaign
Representatives from KCC, Kent Police, Highways England and Kent Fire and Rescue Service took part in the campaign

In 2015, 707 people were killed or seriously injured in Kent - compared to 715 in 2014.

Overall, 95% of crashes were put down to driver error.

The meeting took place as the first European Day Without A Road Death takes place.

Project EDWARD is the brainchild of the European traffic police network and aims to work towards a day when there are no deaths on the continent's roads.

People are being urged to sign a 12-point pledge to commit to using the road safely. The pledge includes looking out for other road users, never using a mobile phone while driving and not getting distracted by anything inside or outside of the car.

They all signed the pledge at a meeting at County Hall
They all signed the pledge at a meeting at County Hall

Vicky Watkins, KCC's road safety team leader, said: "The signing of this pledge isn't just about having a day without a death on our roads, it's about challenging people's behaviours.

"Drivers are unwittingly - and sometimes knowingly - putting other road users at risk. This could be by speeding, drink-driving, not wearing a seat belt, using their phone or carrying out risky manoeuvres."

In the past 12 years there was a reduction in causalities, but police say more young drivers are being involved in collisions.

Flowers left at the scene of a crash on the A2
Flowers left at the scene of a crash on the A2

Steve Dunnett, from Kent Police's road policing team, said: "Life lost on the roads is nothing more than a tragic waste and we are keen to do whatever we can to spread road safety messages.

"By reflecting on our driving standards and attitudes and modifying our behaviour, we can make a difference and prevent serious injury and death on the roads."

The pledge can be signed by anyone, for more information visit www.tispol.org/edward

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