Road safety

SECAmb is committed to reducing the number of deaths and injuries resulting from traffic accidents in our area and we have working on a variety of initiatives which aim to raise awarenes of road safety amongst thos most at risk of an accident.

Safe Drive Stay Alive/Licence to Kill

Safe Drive/Licence to Kill? is an innovative theatre production, designed to educate adolescences about the potential dangers, consequences, and responsibilities of being in control of a vehicle. Through a film, combined with real-life speakers sharing their experiences live on stage; Licence to Kill? aims to send a powerful message to remind young audiences of the importance of driving carefully, and the responsibility they have for the safety of both themselves and other road uses.

Performances last around 90 minutes and consist of a 40-minute narrative film about a group of teenagers involved in a road traffic collision, which results in the death of one of the characters. This film is inter-cut with real life accounts from emergency service personnel along with other individuals who have been adversely affected by similar events, sharing their experiences with the audience. Speakers include: ambulance, police, and fire service staff, sharing what it is like to attend collisions. As well as members of the public explaining what it is like to be severally injured, convicted of death by dangerous driving or lose a loved one.

This scheme is aimed at young drivers or those approaching driving age and is run in partnership with the police, fire service and local hospital staff. The aim is to demonstrate the dangers faced by inexperienced drivers and encourage young people to understand the consequences of irresponsible driving for both themselves and others.

Bike Safe bike safe logo

BikeSafe Sussex is a partnership between Sussex Police, West and East Sussex County Councils and Brighton & Hove City Council.

Part of a nationwide scheme, BikeSafe aims to reduce motorcycling casualties with advice and tips about road safety, plus courses for riders to improve their skills. Find out more from the BikeSafe website.

The rural roads in East Sussex are very popular with motorcyclists. Every year on May Day bank holiday thousands of bikers ride to Hastings to celebrate their enjoyment of two wheels.

In 2007, eleven riders were killed and many more were seriously injured on roads in East Sussex. We are working with motorcyclists across Sussex to reduce these casualties.

Many riders are injured at junctions when vehicles pull out, others crash as a result of entering a bend too fast. Always ride defensively, concentrate and anticipate the errors of other road users.

Safety tips

Make yourself visible.
Always wear protective clothing, even for short trips.
Slow down for approaching bends – accelerate out, but keep to the speed limit. If you're going too fast, don't panic, lift your head and look out of the bend in the direction you want to go.
Constantly monitor your riding and think about what you are doing.
Seek feedback from skilled riders, try a BikeSafe assessment or Advanced Rider training course.