Road safety campaigners joined forces today (24 October) on Albert Square, Manchester to demonstrate how the emergency services work together to rescue road accident victims trapped under cars.

The dramatic stunt was staged by the emergency services to highlight the dangers posed to cyclists and bikers straying into the blind spots of HGVs and buses. It was timed to coincide with a potential increase in cyclist and biker deaths and serious injuries due to mornings and evenings being darker in the winter months.

In the five years 2007/2011 there have been 12 motorcyclists and pedal cyclists killed and 44 seriously injured as a result of accidents with HGVs and buses on the roads of Greater Manchester. In the same period five road deaths and 10 serious injuries occurred where the driver’s vision was affected by the vehicle’s blind spot.

Campaigners say that cyclists, bikers and HGV drivers should take extra care when sharing the road to ensure that they are visible to each other. Drivers should especially watch out for cyclists when turning left.

Cyclists are warned to give HGVs a wide berth and remember that behind a lorry is the safest place to be. They should also move forward when stopped in front of a truck and only overtake on the right when safe to do so to ensure that they remain visible to the driver.

This increased policing focus on road safety is a part of Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. This was an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year and reversed a long term downward trend in road deaths.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working with other emergency services and partners to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents ie drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said; “Stay safe, stay back is the most important message we can give to cyclists and bikers. They, by the very nature of their mode of transport are especially vulnerable on the roads and should along with other road users take extra care when sharing our roads.

“Visibility is the key factor in many traffic accidents and cyclists and bikers can increase theirs by good road positioning, ensuring they use front and rear lights and wearing high-vis clothing.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention Services, said: “Our fire fighters rescue more people from road traffic collisions than they do from house fires, so we’re committed to improving the safety on our roads.

“We know what devastation a road traffic collision can have, not only on those involved but on their family and the wider community. We are determined to do all we can to reduce these collisions and the number of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe said: “Greater Manchester has some of the busiest roads in the country and being a major hub for commercial activity has more than its fair share of HGVs either visiting or passing through the county. Road safety is the responsibility of all road users so I would urge everyone, especially in the dark mornings and evenings to take extra care and give each other loads of room so everyone can get home safe.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Between 1 December 2013 and 1 January 2014 police stopped and breathalysed 7,987 motorists as part of their annual drink drive campaign.

319 were arrested, equating to 3.9 per cent of all those stopped. This is a reduction from 4.1 per cent last year.

Seventy two people tested positive following a collision while 247 were caught by officers at a roadside check site or while out on patrol.

GMP launched its ‘None for the Road’ campaign ahead of the festive period in conjunction with DriveSafe, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service and local authority road safety teams.

Launch events were held in MediaCity, Stockport and Wigan and leaflets and posters were distributed throughout the region.

Officers also used social media to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence.

A twitterchat gave residents the opportunity to ask a traffic officer questions, while tweeting live from a shift on’ Mad Friday’ allowed followers to gain an insight into the issues faced by police on the roads.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from the ANPR & Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit and responsible for this year’s festive drink drive campaign said: “It is reassuring to see that there are fewer people putting lives in danger by drink driving but there is still a lot of work to do.

“Three hundred and nineteen people still thought it was acceptable to get behind the wheel after having a drink and it’s this kind of behaviour that leads to deaths on our roads.

“Drinking and driving is a deadly mix and although the festive operation may have concluded, our fight is far from over. None for the road is a message for life, not just for Christmas and officers will continue to relentlessly target those suspected of drink or drug driving until we rid the roads of this problem all together.”

GMFRS Group Manager, Stuart Millington, said: “We’re delighted that the ‘None for the Road’ campaign has been so successful over the festive period.

“Firefighters now rescue more people from car crashes than they do from fires. Drinking and driving is a recipe for disaster and all too often we are there to pick up the pieces.

“Anything which can be done to stop people getting behind the wheel when they’re drunk is fantastic for GMFRS and the people of Greater Manchester.”

Karen Delaney, communications officer at DriveSafe, said: “The aim of this initiative was to warn people about the consequences of getting ‘merry’ behind the wheel and although it’s pleasing to see that more people are taking this message on board, there are still far too many people drink driving.

“Our priority is to make the roads of Greater Manchester safer for all and we will continue to work with police and fire to make this happen.”

To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Sister Karen Higham-Deakin - Salford Royal NHS Trust.

Thousands of young people will be brought face-to-face with the horrific aftermath of a road traffic collision as part of a brand new road safety initiative, ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’.

The project is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and uses real people, including emergency service staff and family members of those lost in collisions, to tell their own personal stories of tragedy and loss.

Students from across Greater Manchester will attend one of 14 performances taking place at Middleton Arena where they’ll be greeted with a party atmosphere before being hit with the harrowing and hard-hitting consequences of driving dangerously.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Major Trauma Coordinator’s, the prison service and Drivesafe have joined forces to launch the project and hope it will help reduce the number of young lives being lost on the roads of Greater Manchester.

In the last 10 years (2003-2013), there were 232 young driver related deaths in Greater Manchester. This figure includes young people and people killed by a young driver.

The average cost of young driver collisions in 2011-2013 was more than £72 million per year, which accounts for a quarter of Greater Manchester’s casualty costs.

Young people are more at risk of being involved in a collision, despite a smaller proportion of them holding a driving licence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Road safety isn’t a subject to be taken lightly and Safe Drive Stay Alive uses an emotive and hard-hitting approach to make young people sit up and think about the consequences of their decisions.

“It’s easy to switch off when looking at a poster or watching an advert but the impact of a parent stood in front of you talking about the loss of their son or daughter takes it to another level and will make even the most hardened of young people think twice about their actions”.

Dean, Dee and Hannah Wilson lost their 21-year-old son and brother when he crashed into a tree in 2010 and will be sharing their personal stories at Safe Drive Stay Alive. They said: "Although emotionally very difficult, as a family we feel a certain sense of pride in being

invited to be part of Safe Drive Stay Alive. Through our volunteering, our very simple hope is to prevent other families from suffering such a profound loss. In doing this we feel some good will come from the loss of our Matt."

Sister Karen Higham-Deakin, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Senior Major Trauma Coordinator said: “Working in the Emergency Department I’ve seen countless numbers of lives destroyed every year through dangerous or careless driving. It’s important to remember that collisions don’t just affect the victim who loses their life or sustains life changing injuries.

“As an experienced health professional helping to care for the victims of road accidents, I am still often deeply affected by the cases that I see so I can only imagine how completely devastating this is for the family and friends of the young person who has been involved in the incident.”

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: "Learning to drive opens up a sense of freedom and opportunity for young people. It also comes with a huge responsibility of keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safe from becoming casualties.

“The vast majority of young drivers take this responsibility very seriously, and become safe and considerate drivers. However, through lack of experience or peer pressure, too many are still involved in collisions involving fatalities and life changing injuries. Our emergency response crews are all too often dealing with devastating scenes where young people lose their lives.

“Safe Drive Stay Alive will play a vital role in demonstrating to thousands of young people across the county the consequences of risk taking whilst on the roads.

“We are delighted that our colleges have committed to attending, and applaud the bravery of all of our speakers, particularly those family members who will be talking to students about the true impact of losing someone they love in a road traffic collision."

Karen Delaney from Drivesafe said: “Young drivers and passengers in Greater Manchester are at a disproportionately high risk of being killed or seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions. The Safe Drive Stay Alive project, funded through the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership aims at reducing these risks through a powerful mature performance through thought provoking real scenario’s about consequences and posing preventative measures. Decision making skills are an essential part of being a safe road user”.

Steve Hynes, Greater Manchester Head of Service, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, welcomed the initiative saying, “Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in a crash on our roads often due to inexperience and lack of knowledge of the risks. Paramedics see first-hand the horrific devastation accidents like this cause and the ongoing effects it has on the people involved and their families, for some, Christmases and birthdays are never the same again.

“This initiative is an excellent way of educating people about the dangers, providing them with a taste of the harsh reality of speeding, together with accurate and suitable information in order to make an informed choice about how they decide to drive”.

Singer-songwriter Mike Dignam has leant his support to the project and his song, Beautiful Tragedy will be played during the performance as well as being offered as a free download to students. He said: "I feel very privileged and humbled to have been asked to be involved in such an important and significant campaign aimed at young people effected by, or involved with, road traffic accidents. It's a fantastic initiative and something that resonates with me, as growing up both my parents were in the road safety police so I know how impactful these accidents can be."

Follow @SafeDriveGM on twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #SafeDriveGM to join in the conversation.

Visit www.SafeDriveGM.co.uk for more

A great image capturing the soon-to-be-gone American Oil gas station and houses on East 10th street leaving Tyrone. This area was cleared out in the late 1960s and early 1970s to make way for the interstate and off-ramp.

This image was scanned from a slide in the possession of the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library.

Speed gun in operation.

Greater Manchester Police targeted speeding and dangerous driving last week (16 to 22 April) in a bid to reduce road deaths and injuries.

In the first four days of this forcewide operation officers have issued 680 Fixed Penalty Notices. 519 of these were for speeding offences, 80 for using a mobile phone while driving and 81 for not wearing seatbelts.

Officers arrested 34 drivers for drink-driving and six for dangerous driving. They also gave verbal warnings and driving advice to hundreds of others for dangerous and poor driving.

The high profile clampdown is part of Operation Dice that was launched earlier this year in response to a staggering 42 per cent increase in road deaths in 2011 when compared to the previous year equating to 75 lives lost on the county’s roads.

Roads policing and local officers have been particularly targeting the ‘fatal four factors’ in road collisions as part of the week of action. These are speeding, drink-driving, drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts and drivers using mobile phones or being distracted through using in-car entertainment systems.

This week’s clampdown has been organised to coincide with a national speeding operation by all 43 police forces in the UK and a Europe-wide enforcement led by TISPOL the European Traffic Police Network.

Officers warn however that this is not a one-off crack down and that they will be continuing to target dangerous drivers round the clock across Greater Manchester in the coming year.

Penalties for dangerous and careless driving include fines, penalty points, disqualification and up to 14 years imprisonment for causing a death.

Operation Dice’s enforcement work is being supported by a hard-hitting Dicing With Death public awareness campaign featuring blood spattered furry dice that informs people of the 75 road deaths last year and urges them to drive safely.

The campaign also urges people to help reduce road deaths by providing them with information on dangerous drivers, those driving whilst disqualified or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs either directly on 101 the new single non-emergency number or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Chief Inspector Rachel Buckle from Greater Manchester Police Specialist Operations Division said: “Operation Dice is all about safeguarding precious lives and saving family and friends from having to suffer the terrible devastation that losing a loved one brings.

“Death and serious injuries are the real cost of driving dangerously and we want to urge people to seriously consider this every time they get behind the wheel and to drive with due care and consideration to weather and road conditions.

“Speed is a major factor in pedestrian, driver and passenger fatalities. Research clearly shows that pedestrians involved in a 30mph collision generally survive while those hit at 40mph do not.

“Please slow down, make sure that you and all your passengers are wearing seat belts and switch your mobile phone off before your turn your engine on. These three simple actions can help make our roads significantly safer and save families from suffering the anguish of living through the nightmare of losing someone they love.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Road safety campaigners joined forces today (24 October) on Albert Square, Manchester to demonstrate how the emergency services work together to rescue road accident victims trapped under cars.

The dramatic stunt was staged by the emergency services to highlight the dangers posed to cyclists and bikers straying into the blind spots of HGVs and buses. It was timed to coincide with a potential increase in cyclist and biker deaths and serious injuries due to mornings and evenings being darker in the winter months.

In the five years 2007/2011 there have been 12 motorcyclists and pedal cyclists killed and 44 seriously injured as a result of accidents with HGVs and buses on the roads of Greater Manchester. In the same period five road deaths and 10 serious injuries occurred where the driver’s vision was affected by the vehicle’s blind spot.

Campaigners say that cyclists, bikers and HGV drivers should take extra care when sharing the road to ensure that they are visible to each other. Drivers should especially watch out for cyclists when turning left.

Cyclists are warned to give HGVs a wide berth and remember that behind a lorry is the safest place to be. They should also move forward when stopped in front of a truck and only overtake on the right when safe to do so to ensure that they remain visible to the driver.

This increased policing focus on road safety is a part of Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. This was an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year and reversed a long term downward trend in road deaths.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working with other emergency services and partners to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents ie drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said; “Stay safe, stay back is the most important message we can give to cyclists and bikers. They, by the very nature of their mode of transport are especially vulnerable on the roads and should along with other road users take extra care when sharing our roads.

“Visibility is the key factor in many traffic accidents and cyclists and bikers can increase theirs by good road positioning, ensuring they use front and rear lights and wearing high-vis clothing.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention Services, said: “Our fire fighters rescue more people from road traffic collisions than they do from house fires, so we’re committed to improving the safety on our roads.

“We know what devastation a road traffic collision can have, not only on those involved but on their family and the wider community. We are determined to do all we can to reduce these collisions and the number of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe said: “Greater Manchester has some of the busiest roads in the country and being a major hub for commercial activity has more than its fair share of HGVs either visiting or passing through the county. Road safety is the responsibility of all road users so I would urge everyone, especially in the dark mornings and evenings to take extra care and give each other loads of room so everyone can get home safe.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle and the wreckage of a fatal collision.

Emergency services have today (Monday 2 June) launched their summer drink and drug driving campaign ahead of the World Cup.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service have joined forces with the Police & Crime Commissioner, Drivesafe and local authorities to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The month-long operation will see police officers on patrol around the clock targeting suspected drink drivers.

Police will also be using new portable drug testing machines to test instantly whether a driver is under the influence of drugs, rather than having to wait for a doctor to administer a blood test.

During last year’s summer drink drive campaign police carried out almost 5,000 breath tests and arrested 252 people.

Following on from Christmas, police are continuing to encourage abstinence rather than restraint and will be hammering home the ‘none for the road’ message using social media and posters in pubs.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith said: “We tend to see an increase in the amount of people drink driving during the summer months, be it because they’ve nipped to a beer garden after work or got caught up in the moment and drunk one too many at a barbecue.

“This year’s World Cup heightens the risk of drink driving and while we’re not looking to spoil anybody’s fun, we’d urge supporters to plan ahead and arrange transport prior to kick off so they don’t turn an evening of celebration into a lifetime of regret.

“Our officers have seen first-hand the devastation caused by drink and drug driving and we make absolutely no apology for relentlessly targeting this type of behaviour as it could save lives.

“If you don’t trust yourself not to drink then our simple advice is to leave the car at home. The only safe amount to drink if driving is none at all so do yourself and other road users a favour and leave the car keys alone.

“Be aware also that you might still be over the limit the following morning, particularly after some of the later kick offs. Our officers will be out around the clock targeting drink drivers so make sure you are safe to drive before getting behind the wheel.”

Deputy PCC Jim Battle said: “This summer, particularly with the World Cup, is a time of celebration and enjoyment for people across Greater Manchester. However, we have a responsibility to ourselves and others to behave responsibly.

“All right people know that drinking and driving is completely unacceptable, and has devastating consequences. It’s important that everyone gets the message loud and clear – Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate drink driving, regardless of the circumstances and regardless of the time of year.

“Late kick offs this year pose a particular problem. If you have been drinking late, please leave your car at home when going to work the next day – it’s simply not worth taking the risk.”

Senior Paramedic, Duncan Mayoh said: “The devastation to both victims, their families and often witnesses to alcohol related incidents is indescribable and is something that will live with them for the rest of their lives. We see numerous injuries that can change lives for ever and unfortunately, too many deaths on our roads and all for the sake of a couple of drinks. We have dealt with victims, including drivers, passengers and other innocent road users who have lost limbs, have to live with facial and other disfigurements and some who will never come home. Our message is clear and simple, just one alcoholic drink is not worth killing someone for and that ultimately is the real risk.”

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s Group Manager Stuart Millington said: “Lots of people like a drink during the summer months, but some people will attempt to drive afterwards and these journeys can end in tragedy.

“Our firefighters now rescue more people from car crashes than they do from fires. These people often suffer devastating injuries - sometimes they don’t survive at all.

“Drinking and driving is a recipe for death and disaster – stay safe this summer don’t drink and drive.”

Karen Delaney, Communications Officer from Drivesafe said: “It’s so easy to get carried away when watching the football. Everyone is so excited about England’s potential fortunes, it is easy to get carried away and go over the limit without realising it. That’s why our message is ‘None For The Road’. If you’re planning on watching the match and having few drinks, don’t take the risk of getting behind the wheel, Greater Manchester has a fantastic public transport network and if all else fails just call a cab.”

Cllr Bernard Priest, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: "I want to remind anyone watching World Cup games or enjoying afternoon barbecues this summer that what they think of as a quick harmless drink could easily result in them losing their licence, their job or even causing a fatal accident. The best advice is always to leave your car at home if you think you might have a drink."

GMP will be holding a drink drive twitterchat on Thursday 5 June and tweeting live from a traffic shift on Saturday 13 June. Follow @gmpolice and @gmptraffic for more information.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy and June Webb in the Road Peace Memorial Garden.

Greater Manchester Police yesterday (Monday 2 April) launched a campaign urging people not to dice with death on the region’s roads.

Recent statistics show that 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester in 2011 compared to 53 in the previous year, an increase of 42 per cent.

The increase comes against a background trend of decreasing road deaths that has seen fatalities drop from 90 in 2006 to 53 in 2010 a decrease of more than 40 per cent.

Officers say that though there are many factors contributing to the loss of these lives they believe that speeding, drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts and drivers using mobile phones have played a significant role in many of these deaths.

Operation Dice has been set up to tackle drivers putting their own lives and that of passengers and other road users at risk through driving dangerously and flouting speeding, seat belt and mobile phone laws.

The campaign asks drivers to slow down, belt up and switch off their mobiles and will be featured on poster, bus side and road side advertising.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "The real cost of road collisions is the loss of precious lives and the devastation it causes to the family and friends of the deceased. Their pain and loss can be felt for decades and most people never really get over it.

“It can also profoundly affect people who have caused the deaths and can leave them physically and emotionally scarred.

“Speed is a major factor in pedestrian fatalities with research showing that those involved in a 30mph collision generally survive while those hit at 40mph do not. I urge drivers to consider this when they get behind the wheel and drive with due care and consideration to weather and road conditions.

“Mobile phones, Sat Navs and car stereos distract drivers preventing them paying full attention to driving safely and are a major cause of many collisions. Using the phone while driving, whether hands-free or not is a serious distraction and the safest option is to switch it off before you start the car.

“Drivers should also ensure that they and everyone in their vehicle is wearing a seat belt however short the journey."

The campaign is being supported by June Webb who lost her daughter Jodie Webb on her 21st birthday in August 2000 in a road collision. Jodie’s friend Joanne Greenwood also aged 21 also lost her life in the crash.

The launch of the campaign took place at the Road Peace Memorial Garden in Beswick, set up in memory of Jodie and Joanne and others who have lost their lives on our roads.

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Police, ambulance and the fire service have launched their annual clampdown on drink driving ahead of the festive season.

As the Christmas party period looms, emergency services are reminding motorists of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Greater Manchester Police will be running a month-long operation throughout December which will see officers breathalysing drivers around the clock, including the morning after.

Motorists caught over the limit will be processed like any other criminal and face at least a year’s driving ban, criminal record and up to £5,000 fine.

More than 300 people were arrested during last year’s Christmas operation and figures for the first half of this year show there have been 70 collisions involving alcohol.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit and coordinator of this year’s anti-drink drive campaign said: “When we talk about drink drivers, we’re not talking about people that are drunk to the point of being unable to stand or speak.

“Obviously this does happen, but it’s really important that people understand that you don’t have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Just a couple of drinks presents a risk and can affect your ability to drive.

“If you’re going out the simplest thing to do is to leave your car at home or, if you must drive, have none for the road and take the guess work out of it.”

Steve Hynes, Head of Service for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “During the winter period, we see a considerable rise in the number of 999 calls received about road traffic collisions. Even one alcoholic drink can severely impact on a driver’s reaction time and ability to control their vehicle.

“Combined with the adverse weather we have seen in recent years, drinking and driving over the festive period can lead to serious, life-threatening cases and, in some circumstances, death.

“We see first-hand the devastation drink driving can cause. If you’re planning on having a drink, make alternative arrangements to get home safely. Don’t be tempted to drive even a short distance: you can quickly lose control of your vehicle. Stay safe and think before you drink.”

Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant County Fire Officer Peter O’Reilly, said: “We know people enjoy celebrating during the festive period, but drinking and driving is something that can result in devastating consequences.

“Our firefighters attend more and more serious road traffic collisions and cut people out of vehicles every day.

“You can’t calculate your alcohol limit, so don’t try. Please don’t drink and drive.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “This isn’t about spoiling your festive fun, it’s about making our roads safer. Drinking and driving is a dangerous, sometimes fatal combination, and we each have to behave responsibly to make sure we can all enjoy Christmas and New Year.

“We should all listen and take note of what the police and ambulance service tell us. Even just having one drink can affect how you drive so the message is clear and simple - please don’t drink and drive.”

Karen Delaney, Drivesafe, ‘Our priority is to ensure people are safe as possible when travelling over the festive season. One of the most important things for drivers to be aware of is that drinking at night and driving the next day, could still be enough to put you over the limit – many drivers convicted for drink driving are caught the morning after. If you are planning on having a drink simply plan ahead, arrange alternative means of transport both that night and the following day’.

Police will be using social media throughout the festive period to give users an insight into their Christmas operation. Follow @gmpolice and @gmptraffic and use the hashtag #nonefortheroad

Law-abiding citizens can help keep drink drivers off our roads by reporting to police directly on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency where a drink driver poses a direct threat to life, please dial 999.

Inspector Paul Rowe and GMFRS Wayne Shields.

Road safety campaigners joined forces today (24 October) on Albert Square, Manchester to demonstrate how the emergency services work together to rescue road accident victims trapped under cars.

The dramatic stunt was staged by the emergency services to highlight the dangers posed to cyclists and bikers straying into the blind spots of HGVs and buses. It was timed to coincide with a potential increase in cyclist and biker deaths and serious injuries due to mornings and evenings being darker in the winter months.

In the five years 2007/2011 there have been 12 motorcyclists and pedal cyclists killed and 44 seriously injured as a result of accidents with HGVs and buses on the roads of Greater Manchester. In the same period five road deaths and 10 serious injuries occurred where the driver’s vision was affected by the vehicle’s blind spot.

Campaigners say that cyclists, bikers and HGV drivers should take extra care when sharing the road to ensure that they are visible to each other. Drivers should especially watch out for cyclists when turning left.

Cyclists are warned to give HGVs a wide berth and remember that behind a lorry is the safest place to be. They should also move forward when stopped in front of a truck and only overtake on the right when safe to do so to ensure that they remain visible to the driver.

This increased policing focus on road safety is a part of Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. This was an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year and reversed a long term downward trend in road deaths.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working with other emergency services and partners to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents ie drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said; “Stay safe, stay back is the most important message we can give to cyclists and bikers. They, by the very nature of their mode of transport are especially vulnerable on the roads and should along with other road users take extra care when sharing our roads.

“Visibility is the key factor in many traffic accidents and cyclists and bikers can increase theirs by good road positioning, ensuring they use front and rear lights and wearing high-vis clothing.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention Services, said: “Our fire fighters rescue more people from road traffic collisions than they do from house fires, so we’re committed to improving the safety on our roads.

“We know what devastation a road traffic collision can have, not only on those involved but on their family and the wider community. We are determined to do all we can to reduce these collisions and the number of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe said: “Greater Manchester has some of the busiest roads in the country and being a major hub for commercial activity has more than its fair share of HGVs either visiting or passing through the county. Road safety is the responsibility of all road users so I would urge everyone, especially in the dark mornings and evenings to take extra care and give each other loads of room so everyone can get home safe.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

The 'casualty' is removed.

Road safety campaigners joined forces today (24 October) on Albert Square, Manchester to demonstrate how the emergency services work together to rescue road accident victims trapped under cars.

The dramatic stunt was staged by the emergency services to highlight the dangers posed to cyclists and bikers straying into the blind spots of HGVs and buses. It was timed to coincide with a potential increase in cyclist and biker deaths and serious injuries due to mornings and evenings being darker in the winter months.

In the five years 2007/2011 there have been 12 motorcyclists and pedal cyclists killed and 44 seriously injured as a result of accidents with HGVs and buses on the roads of Greater Manchester. In the same period five road deaths and 10 serious injuries occurred where the driver’s vision was affected by the vehicle’s blind spot.

Campaigners say that cyclists, bikers and HGV drivers should take extra care when sharing the road to ensure that they are visible to each other. Drivers should especially watch out for cyclists when turning left.

Cyclists are warned to give HGVs a wide berth and remember that behind a lorry is the safest place to be. They should also move forward when stopped in front of a truck and only overtake on the right when safe to do so to ensure that they remain visible to the driver.

This increased policing focus on road safety is a part of Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. This was an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year and reversed a long term downward trend in road deaths.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working with other emergency services and partners to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents ie drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said; “Stay safe, stay back is the most important message we can give to cyclists and bikers. They, by the very nature of their mode of transport are especially vulnerable on the roads and should along with other road users take extra care when sharing our roads.

“Visibility is the key factor in many traffic accidents and cyclists and bikers can increase theirs by good road positioning, ensuring they use front and rear lights and wearing high-vis clothing.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention Services, said: “Our fire fighters rescue more people from road traffic collisions than they do from house fires, so we’re committed to improving the safety on our roads.

“We know what devastation a road traffic collision can have, not only on those involved but on their family and the wider community. We are determined to do all we can to reduce these collisions and the number of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe said: “Greater Manchester has some of the busiest roads in the country and being a major hub for commercial activity has more than its fair share of HGVs either visiting or passing through the county. Road safety is the responsibility of all road users so I would urge everyone, especially in the dark mornings and evenings to take extra care and give each other loads of room so everyone can get home safe.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Firefighters lift the vehicle.

Road safety campaigners joined forces today (24 October) on Albert Square, Manchester to demonstrate how the emergency services work together to rescue road accident victims trapped under cars.

The dramatic stunt was staged by the emergency services to highlight the dangers posed to cyclists and bikers straying into the blind spots of HGVs and buses. It was timed to coincide with a potential increase in cyclist and biker deaths and serious injuries due to mornings and evenings being darker in the winter months.

In the five years 2007/2011 there have been 12 motorcyclists and pedal cyclists killed and 44 seriously injured as a result of accidents with HGVs and buses on the roads of Greater Manchester. In the same period five road deaths and 10 serious injuries occurred where the driver’s vision was affected by the vehicle’s blind spot.

Campaigners say that cyclists, bikers and HGV drivers should take extra care when sharing the road to ensure that they are visible to each other. Drivers should especially watch out for cyclists when turning left.

Cyclists are warned to give HGVs a wide berth and remember that behind a lorry is the safest place to be. They should also move forward when stopped in front of a truck and only overtake on the right when safe to do so to ensure that they remain visible to the driver.

This increased policing focus on road safety is a part of Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. This was an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year and reversed a long term downward trend in road deaths.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working with other emergency services and partners to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents ie drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said; “Stay safe, stay back is the most important message we can give to cyclists and bikers. They, by the very nature of their mode of transport are especially vulnerable on the roads and should along with other road users take extra care when sharing our roads.

“Visibility is the key factor in many traffic accidents and cyclists and bikers can increase theirs by good road positioning, ensuring they use front and rear lights and wearing high-vis clothing.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention Services, said: “Our fire fighters rescue more people from road traffic collisions than they do from house fires, so we’re committed to improving the safety on our roads.

“We know what devastation a road traffic collision can have, not only on those involved but on their family and the wider community. We are determined to do all we can to reduce these collisions and the number of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe said: “Greater Manchester has some of the busiest roads in the country and being a major hub for commercial activity has more than its fair share of HGVs either visiting or passing through the county. Road safety is the responsibility of all road users so I would urge everyone, especially in the dark mornings and evenings to take extra care and give each other loads of room so everyone can get home safe.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Elaine, a mother who lost her child in a drink drive collision, tries on 'beer googles' that simulate the effects of drink driving. Police, ambulance and the fire service have launched their annual clampdown on drink driving ahead of the festive season.

As the Christmas party period looms, emergency services are reminding motorists of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Greater Manchester Police will be running a month-long operation throughout December which will see officers breathalysing drivers around the clock, including the morning after.

Motorists caught over the limit will be processed like any other criminal and face at least a year’s driving ban, criminal record and up to £5,000 fine.

More than 300 people were arrested during last year’s Christmas operation and figures for the first half of this year show there have been 70 collisions involving alcohol.

At the launch event at the Trafford Centre Elaine, a mother who lost her child in a drink drive collision, told her story to help highlight the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit and coordinator of this year’s anti-drink drive campaign said: “When we talk about drink drivers, we’re not talking about people that are drunk to the point of being unable to stand or speak.

“Obviously this does happen, but it’s really important that people understand that you don’t have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Just a couple of drinks presents a risk and can affect your ability to drive.

“If you’re going out the simplest thing to do is to leave your car at home or, if you must drive, have none for the road and take the guess work out of it.”

Steve Hynes, Head of Service for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “During the winter period, we see a considerable rise in the number of 999 calls received about road traffic collisions. Even one alcoholic drink can severely impact on a driver’s reaction time and ability to control their vehicle.

“Combined with the adverse weather we have seen in recent years, drinking and driving over the festive period can lead to serious, life-threatening cases and, in some circumstances, death.

“We see first-hand the devastation drink driving can cause. If you’re planning on having a drink, make alternative arrangements to get home safely. Don’t be tempted to drive even a short distance: you can quickly lose control of your vehicle. Stay safe and think before you drink.”

Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant County Fire Officer Peter O’Reilly, said: “We know people enjoy celebrating during the festive period, but drinking and driving is something that can result in devastating consequences.

“Our firefighters attend more and more serious road traffic collisions and cut people out of vehicles every day.

“You can’t calculate your alcohol limit, so don’t try. Please don’t drink and drive.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “This isn’t about spoiling your festive fun, it’s about making our roads safer. Drinking and driving is a dangerous, sometimes fatal combination, and we each have to behave responsibly to make sure we can all enjoy Christmas and New Year.

“We should all listen and take note of what the police and ambulance service tell us. Even just having one drink can affect how you drive so the message is clear and simple - please don’t drink and drive.”

Karen Delaney, Drivesafe, "Our priority is to ensure people are safe as possible when travelling over the festive season. One of the most important things for drivers to be aware of is that drinking at night and driving the next day, could still be enough to put you over the limit – many drivers convicted for drink driving are caught the morning after.

"If you are planning on having a drink simply plan ahead, arrange alternative means of transport both that night and the following day".

Police will be using social media throughout the festive period to give users an insight into their Christmas operation. Follow @gmpolice and @gmptraffic and use the hashtag #nonefortheroad

Law-abiding citizens can help keep drink drivers off our roads by reporting to police directly on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency where a drink driver poses a direct threat to life, please dial 999.

Emergency services have today (Monday 2 June) launched their summer drink and drug driving campaign ahead of the World Cup.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service have joined forces with the Police & Crime Commissioner, Drivesafe and local authorities to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The month-long operation will see police officers on patrol around the clock targeting suspected drink drivers.

Police will also be using new portable drug testing machines to test instantly whether a driver is under the influence of drugs, rather than having to wait for a doctor to administer a blood test.

During last year’s summer drink drive campaign police carried out almost 5,000 breath tests and arrested 252 people.

Following on from Christmas, police are continuing to encourage abstinence rather than restraint and will be hammering home the ‘none for the road’ message using social media and posters in pubs.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith said: “We tend to see an increase in the amount of people drink driving during the summer months, be it because they’ve nipped to a beer garden after work or got caught up in the moment and drunk one too many at a barbecue.

“This year’s World Cup heightens the risk of drink driving and while we’re not looking to spoil anybody’s fun, we’d urge supporters to plan ahead and arrange transport prior to kick off so they don’t turn an evening of celebration into a lifetime of regret.

“Our officers have seen first-hand the devastation caused by drink and drug driving and we make absolutely no apology for relentlessly targeting this type of behaviour as it could save lives.

“If you don’t trust yourself not to drink then our simple advice is to leave the car at home. The only safe amount to drink if driving is none at all so do yourself and other road users a favour and leave the car keys alone.

“Be aware also that you might still be over the limit the following morning, particularly after some of the later kick offs. Our officers will be out around the clock targeting drink drivers so make sure you are safe to drive before getting behind the wheel.”

Deputy PCC Jim Battle said: “This summer, particularly with the World Cup, is a time of celebration and enjoyment for people across Greater Manchester. However, we have a responsibility to ourselves and others to behave responsibly.

“All right people know that drinking and driving is completely unacceptable, and has devastating consequences. It’s important that everyone gets the message loud and clear – Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate drink driving, regardless of the circumstances and regardless of the time of year.

“Late kick offs this year pose a particular problem. If you have been drinking late, please leave your car at home when going to work the next day – it’s simply not worth taking the risk.”

Senior Paramedic, Duncan Mayoh said: “The devastation to both victims, their families and often witnesses to alcohol related incidents is indescribable and is something that will live with them for the rest of their lives. We see numerous injuries that can change lives for ever and unfortunately, too many deaths on our roads and all for the sake of a couple of drinks. We have dealt with victims, including drivers, passengers and other innocent road users who have lost limbs, have to live with facial and other disfigurements and some who will never come home. Our message is clear and simple, just one alcoholic drink is not worth killing someone for and that ultimately is the real risk.”

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s Group Manager Stuart Millington said: “Lots of people like a drink during the summer months, but some people will attempt to drive afterwards and these journeys can end in tragedy.

“Our firefighters now rescue more people from car crashes than they do from fires. These people often suffer devastating injuries - sometimes they don’t survive at all.

“Drinking and driving is a recipe for death and disaster – stay safe this summer don’t drink and drive.”

Karen Delaney, Communications Officer from Drivesafe said: “It’s so easy to get carried away when watching the football. Everyone is so excited about England’s potential fortunes, it is easy to get carried away and go over the limit without realising it. That’s why our message is ‘None For The Road’. If you’re planning on watching the match and having few drinks, don’t take the risk of getting behind the wheel, Greater Manchester has a fantastic public transport network and if all else fails just call a cab.”

Cllr Bernard Priest, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: "I want to remind anyone watching World Cup games or enjoying afternoon barbecues this summer that what they think of as a quick harmless drink could easily result in them losing their licence, their job or even causing a fatal accident. The best advice is always to leave your car at home if you think you might have a drink."

GMP will be holding a drink drive twitterchat on Thursday 5 June and tweeting live from a traffic shift on Saturday 13 June. Follow @gmpolice and @gmptraffic for more information.

Sign in Washington DC....the city swarming with so many tourists that it must be how an ant feels in a mound.

Station Manager Phil Nelson - Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.

Thousands of young people will be brought face-to-face with the horrific aftermath of a road traffic collision as part of a brand new road safety initiative, ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’.

The project is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and uses real people, including emergency service staff and family members of those lost in collisions, to tell their own personal stories of tragedy and loss.

Students from across Greater Manchester will attend one of 14 performances taking place at Middleton Arena where they’ll be greeted with a party atmosphere before being hit with the harrowing and hard-hitting consequences of driving dangerously.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Major Trauma Coordinator’s, the prison service and Drivesafe have joined forces to launch the project and hope it will help reduce the number of young lives being lost on the roads of Greater Manchester.

In the last 10 years (2003-2013), there were 232 young driver related deaths in Greater Manchester. This figure includes young people and people killed by a young driver.

The average cost of young driver collisions in 2011-2013 was more than £72 million per year, which accounts for a quarter of Greater Manchester’s casualty costs.

Young people are more at risk of being involved in a collision, despite a smaller proportion of them holding a driving licence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Road safety isn’t a subject to be taken lightly and Safe Drive Stay Alive uses an emotive and hard-hitting approach to make young people sit up and think about the consequences of their decisions.

“It’s easy to switch off when looking at a poster or watching an advert but the impact of a parent stood in front of you talking about the loss of their son or daughter takes it to another level and will make even the most hardened of young people think twice about their actions”.

Dean, Dee and Hannah Wilson lost their 21-year-old son and brother when he crashed into a tree in 2010 and will be sharing their personal stories at Safe Drive Stay Alive. They said: "Although emotionally very difficult, as a family we feel a certain sense of pride in being

invited to be part of Safe Drive Stay Alive. Through our volunteering, our very simple hope is to prevent other families from suffering such a profound loss. In doing this we feel some good will come from the loss of our Matt."

Sister Karen Higham-Deakin, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Senior Major Trauma Coordinator said: “Working in the Emergency Department I’ve seen countless numbers of lives destroyed every year through dangerous or careless driving. It’s important to remember that collisions don’t just affect the victim who loses their life or sustains life changing injuries.

“As an experienced health professional helping to care for the victims of road accidents, I am still often deeply affected by the cases that I see so I can only imagine how completely devastating this is for the family and friends of the young person who has been involved in the incident.”

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: "Learning to drive opens up a sense of freedom and opportunity for young people. It also comes with a huge responsibility of keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safe from becoming casualties.

“The vast majority of young drivers take this responsibility very seriously, and become safe and considerate drivers. However, through lack of experience or peer pressure, too many are still involved in collisions involving fatalities and life changing injuries. Our emergency response crews are all too often dealing with devastating scenes where young people lose their lives.

“Safe Drive Stay Alive will play a vital role in demonstrating to thousands of young people across the county the consequences of risk taking whilst on the roads.

“We are delighted that our colleges have committed to attending, and applaud the bravery of all of our speakers, particularly those family members who will be talking to students about the true impact of losing someone they love in a road traffic collision."

Karen Delaney from Drivesafe said: “Young drivers and passengers in Greater Manchester are at a disproportionately high risk of being killed or seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions. The Safe Drive Stay Alive project, funded through the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership aims at reducing these risks through a powerful mature performance through thought provoking real scenario’s about consequences and posing preventative measures. Decision making skills are an essential part of being a safe road user”.

Steve Hynes, Greater Manchester Head of Service, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, welcomed the initiative saying, “Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in a crash on our roads often due to inexperience and lack of knowledge of the risks. Paramedics see first-hand the horrific devastation accidents like this cause and the ongoing effects it has on the people involved and their families, for some, Christmases and birthdays are never the same again.

“This initiative is an excellent way of educating people about the dangers, providing them with a taste of the harsh reality of speeding, together with accurate and suitable information in order to make an informed choice about how they decide to drive”.

Singer-songwriter Mike Dignam has leant his support to the project and his song, Beautiful Tragedy will be played during the performance as well as being offered as a free download to students. He said: "I feel very privileged and humbled to have been asked to be involved in such an important and significant campaign aimed at young people effected by, or involved with, road traffic accidents. It's a fantastic initiative and something that resonates with me, as growing up both my parents were in the road safety police so I know how impactful these accidents can be."

Follow @SafeDriveGM on twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #SafeDriveGM to join in the conversation.

Visit www.SafeDriveGM.co.uk for more

Road safety campaigners talked to students from the University of Manchester on Wednesday 6 February, to highlight the dangers posed to cyclists and bikers straying into the blind spots of HGVs and buses.

In the five years 2008/2012 there has been 10 motorcyclists and pedal cyclists killed and 47 seriously injured as a result of accidents with HGVs and buses on the roads of Greater Manchester. In the same period five of those road deaths and six serious injuries occurred where the driver’s vision was affected by the vehicle’s blind spot.

Campaigners say that cyclists, bikers and HGV drivers should take extra care when sharing the road to ensure that they are visible to each other. Drivers should especially watch out for cyclists when turning left.

Cyclists are warned to give HGVs a wide berth and remember that it is safer to be behind a lorry than at the side of it where a driver may not be able to see you clearly, particularly when attempting to turn.

This increased policing focus on road safety is a part of Operation Dice launched at the beginning of 2012 in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 76 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. Figures from 2012 demonstrate that 49 people lost their lives, a decrease of 36 per cent on the previous year.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working with other emergency services and partners to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents i.e. drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said; “Stay safe, stay back and be seen is the most important message we can give to cyclists and bikers. They, by the very nature of their mode of transport are especially vulnerable on the roads and should, along with other road users, take extra care when sharing our roads”.

“Visibility is the key factor in many traffic accidents and cyclists and bikers can increase theirs by good road positioning, ensuring they use front and rear lights and wearing high-vis clothing.”

The event will be the start off a police enforcement campaign in which the police aim to educate and advise cyclists. Any offenders issued with a fixed penalty ticket will have the chance to attend a forthcoming educational meeting involving the joint campaigners in which the penalty ticket will be rescinded.

Karen Delaney, from DriveSafe, said “Cyclists do not have the benefits of safety cages, seatbelts or side impact bars, so when a collision occurs it can result in serious injury or worse for the rider.

“A significant number of collisions are down to road users attitude and behaviour. I would imagine that most people know somebody who rides a cycle and we would ask all road users to look out for cyclists and treat them with respect.”

These educational meetings will take place at Withington Fire station from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Tuesday 19 February 2013, Thursday 28 February 2013 and Thursday 7 March 2013.

Transport for Greater Manchester continues to offer a free cycling refresher course for those wanting to get back on a bike after sometime away. The scheme is specifically aimed at those who want to sharpen their skills in order to cycle to-and-from work and is provided by an expert instructor at flexible times.

There's no need to be worried about getting back on your bike or trying something new with our free cycle training courses for adults.

For more information please visit cycling.tfgm.com/

PC Greg Entwistle - GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Thousands of young people will be brought face-to-face with the horrific aftermath of a road traffic collision as part of a brand new road safety initiative, ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’.

The project is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and uses real people, including emergency service staff and family members of those lost in collisions, to tell their own personal stories of tragedy and loss.

Students from across Greater Manchester will attend one of 14 performances taking place at Middleton Arena where they’ll be greeted with a party atmosphere before being hit with the harrowing and hard-hitting consequences of driving dangerously.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Major Trauma Coordinator’s, the prison service and Drivesafe have joined forces to launch the project and hope it will help reduce the number of young lives being lost on the roads of Greater Manchester.

In the last 10 years (2003-2013), there were 232 young driver related deaths in Greater Manchester. This figure includes young people and people killed by a young driver.

The average cost of young driver collisions in 2011-2013 was more than £72 million per year, which accounts for a quarter of Greater Manchester’s casualty costs.

Young people are more at risk of being involved in a collision, despite a smaller proportion of them holding a driving licence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Road safety isn’t a subject to be taken lightly and Safe Drive Stay Alive uses an emotive and hard-hitting approach to make young people sit up and think about the consequences of their decisions.

“It’s easy to switch off when looking at a poster or watching an advert but the impact of a parent stood in front of you talking about the loss of their son or daughter takes it to another level and will make even the most hardened of young people think twice about their actions”.

Dean, Dee and Hannah Wilson lost their 21-year-old son and brother when he crashed into a tree in 2010 and will be sharing their personal stories at Safe Drive Stay Alive. They said: "Although emotionally very difficult, as a family we feel a certain sense of pride in being

invited to be part of Safe Drive Stay Alive. Through our volunteering, our very simple hope is to prevent other families from suffering such a profound loss. In doing this we feel some good will come from the loss of our Matt."

Sister Karen Higham-Deakin, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Senior Major Trauma Coordinator said: “Working in the Emergency Department I’ve seen countless numbers of lives destroyed every year through dangerous or careless driving. It’s important to remember that collisions don’t just affect the victim who loses their life or sustains life changing injuries.

“As an experienced health professional helping to care for the victims of road accidents, I am still often deeply affected by the cases that I see so I can only imagine how completely devastating this is for the family and friends of the young person who has been involved in the incident.”

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: "Learning to drive opens up a sense of freedom and opportunity for young people. It also comes with a huge responsibility of keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safe from becoming casualties.

“The vast majority of young drivers take this responsibility very seriously, and become safe and considerate drivers. However, through lack of experience or peer pressure, too many are still involved in collisions involving fatalities and life changing injuries. Our emergency response crews are all too often dealing with devastating scenes where young people lose their lives.

“Safe Drive Stay Alive will play a vital role in demonstrating to thousands of young people across the county the consequences of risk taking whilst on the roads.

“We are delighted that our colleges have committed to attending, and applaud the bravery of all of our speakers, particularly those family members who will be talking to students about the true impact of losing someone they love in a road traffic collision."

Karen Delaney from Drivesafe said: “Young drivers and passengers in Greater Manchester are at a disproportionately high risk of being killed or seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions. The Safe Drive Stay Alive project, funded through the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership aims at reducing these risks through a powerful mature performance through thought provoking real scenario’s about consequences and posing preventative measures. Decision making skills are an essential part of being a safe road user”.

Steve Hynes, Greater Manchester Head of Service, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, welcomed the initiative saying, “Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in a crash on our roads often due to inexperience and lack of knowledge of the risks. Paramedics see first-hand the horrific devastation accidents like this cause and the ongoing effects it has on the people involved and their families, for some, Christmases and birthdays are never the same again.

“This initiative is an excellent way of educating people about the dangers, providing them with a taste of the harsh reality of speeding, together with accurate and suitable information in order to make an informed choice about how they decide to drive”.

Singer-songwriter Mike Dignam has leant his support to the project and his song, Beautiful Tragedy will be played during the performance as well as being offered as a free download to students. He said: "I feel very privileged and humbled to have been asked to be involved in such an important and significant campaign aimed at young people effected by, or involved with, road traffic accidents. It's a fantastic initiative and something that resonates with me, as growing up both my parents were in the road safety police so I know how impactful these accidents can be."

Follow @SafeDriveGM on twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #SafeDriveGM to join in the conversation.

Visit www.SafeDriveGM.co.uk for more

Emergency services staff and members of the public demonstrate the size of the blind spot of a bus.

Road safety campaigners joined forces today (24 October) on Albert Square, Manchester to demonstrate how the emergency services work together to rescue road accident victims trapped under cars.

The dramatic stunt was staged by the emergency services to highlight the dangers posed to cyclists and bikers straying into the blind spots of HGVs and buses. It was timed to coincide with a potential increase in cyclist and biker deaths and serious injuries due to mornings and evenings being darker in the winter months.

In the five years 2007/2011 there have been 12 motorcyclists and pedal cyclists killed and 44 seriously injured as a result of accidents with HGVs and buses on the roads of Greater Manchester. In the same period five road deaths and 10 serious injuries occurred where the driver’s vision was affected by the vehicle’s blind spot.

Campaigners say that cyclists, bikers and HGV drivers should take extra care when sharing the road to ensure that they are visible to each other. Drivers should especially watch out for cyclists when turning left.

Cyclists are warned to give HGVs a wide berth and remember that behind a lorry is the safest place to be. They should also move forward when stopped in front of a truck and only overtake on the right when safe to do so to ensure that they remain visible to the driver.

This increased policing focus on road safety is a part of Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. This was an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year and reversed a long term downward trend in road deaths.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working with other emergency services and partners to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents ie drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said; “Stay safe, stay back is the most important message we can give to cyclists and bikers. They, by the very nature of their mode of transport are especially vulnerable on the roads and should along with other road users take extra care when sharing our roads.

“Visibility is the key factor in many traffic accidents and cyclists and bikers can increase theirs by good road positioning, ensuring they use front and rear lights and wearing high-vis clothing.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention Services, said: “Our fire fighters rescue more people from road traffic collisions than they do from house fires, so we’re committed to improving the safety on our roads.

“We know what devastation a road traffic collision can have, not only on those involved but on their family and the wider community. We are determined to do all we can to reduce these collisions and the number of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe said: “Greater Manchester has some of the busiest roads in the country and being a major hub for commercial activity has more than its fair share of HGVs either visiting or passing through the county. Road safety is the responsibility of all road users so I would urge everyone, especially in the dark mornings and evenings to take extra care and give each other loads of room so everyone can get home safe.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Road safety campaigners joined forces today (24 October) on Albert Square, Manchester to demonstrate how the emergency services work together to rescue road accident victims trapped under cars.

The dramatic stunt was staged by the emergency services to highlight the dangers posed to cyclists and bikers straying into the blind spots of HGVs and buses. It was timed to coincide with a potential increase in cyclist and biker deaths and serious injuries due to mornings and evenings being darker in the winter months.

In the five years 2007/2011 there have been 12 motorcyclists and pedal cyclists killed and 44 seriously injured as a result of accidents with HGVs and buses on the roads of Greater Manchester. In the same period five road deaths and 10 serious injuries occurred where the driver’s vision was affected by the vehicle’s blind spot.

Campaigners say that cyclists, bikers and HGV drivers should take extra care when sharing the road to ensure that they are visible to each other. Drivers should especially watch out for cyclists when turning left.

Cyclists are warned to give HGVs a wide berth and remember that behind a lorry is the safest place to be. They should also move forward when stopped in front of a truck and only overtake on the right when safe to do so to ensure that they remain visible to the driver.

This increased policing focus on road safety is a part of Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. This was an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year and reversed a long term downward trend in road deaths.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working with other emergency services and partners to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents ie drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said; “Stay safe, stay back is the most important message we can give to cyclists and bikers. They, by the very nature of their mode of transport are especially vulnerable on the roads and should along with other road users take extra care when sharing our roads.

“Visibility is the key factor in many traffic accidents and cyclists and bikers can increase theirs by good road positioning, ensuring they use front and rear lights and wearing high-vis clothing.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention Services, said: “Our fire fighters rescue more people from road traffic collisions than they do from house fires, so we’re committed to improving the safety on our roads.

“We know what devastation a road traffic collision can have, not only on those involved but on their family and the wider community. We are determined to do all we can to reduce these collisions and the number of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe said: “Greater Manchester has some of the busiest roads in the country and being a major hub for commercial activity has more than its fair share of HGVs either visiting or passing through the county. Road safety is the responsibility of all road users so I would urge everyone, especially in the dark mornings and evenings to take extra care and give each other loads of room so everyone can get home safe.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Road safety campaigners joined forces today (24 October) on Albert Square, Manchester to demonstrate how the emergency services work together to rescue road accident victims trapped under cars.

The dramatic stunt was staged by the emergency services to highlight the dangers posed to cyclists and bikers straying into the blind spots of HGVs and buses. It was timed to coincide with a potential increase in cyclist and biker deaths and serious injuries due to mornings and evenings being darker in the winter months.

In the five years 2007/2011 there have been 12 motorcyclists and pedal cyclists killed and 44 seriously injured as a result of accidents with HGVs and buses on the roads of Greater Manchester. In the same period five road deaths and 10 serious injuries occurred where the driver’s vision was affected by the vehicle’s blind spot.

Campaigners say that cyclists, bikers and HGV drivers should take extra care when sharing the road to ensure that they are visible to each other. Drivers should especially watch out for cyclists when turning left.

Cyclists are warned to give HGVs a wide berth and remember that behind a lorry is the safest place to be. They should also move forward when stopped in front of a truck and only overtake on the right when safe to do so to ensure that they remain visible to the driver.

This increased policing focus on road safety is a part of Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. This was an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year and reversed a long term downward trend in road deaths.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working with other emergency services and partners to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents ie drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said; “Stay safe, stay back is the most important message we can give to cyclists and bikers. They, by the very nature of their mode of transport are especially vulnerable on the roads and should along with other road users take extra care when sharing our roads.

“Visibility is the key factor in many traffic accidents and cyclists and bikers can increase theirs by good road positioning, ensuring they use front and rear lights and wearing high-vis clothing.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention Services, said: “Our fire fighters rescue more people from road traffic collisions than they do from house fires, so we’re committed to improving the safety on our roads.

“We know what devastation a road traffic collision can have, not only on those involved but on their family and the wider community. We are determined to do all we can to reduce these collisions and the number of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe said: “Greater Manchester has some of the busiest roads in the country and being a major hub for commercial activity has more than its fair share of HGVs either visiting or passing through the county. Road safety is the responsibility of all road users so I would urge everyone, especially in the dark mornings and evenings to take extra care and give each other loads of room so everyone can get home safe.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

One of Greater Manchester Police’s CCTV safety cars outside the Force’s new headquarters in Newton Heath.

The vehicles, which are staffed by traffic police community support officers, are used to gather evidence of a range of motoring offences, including the non wearing of seatbelts and driving while using mobile phones, and to act as a highly visible deterrent to unsafe driving.

As well as carrying the Greater Manchester Police crest, the vehicles livery includes the logo of Drivesafe Greater Manchester.

Visit Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership for more information about Drivesafe.

To find out more about road policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Road safety campaigners joined forces today (24 October) on Albert Square, Manchester to demonstrate how the emergency services work together to rescue road accident victims trapped under cars.

The dramatic stunt was staged by the emergency services to highlight the dangers posed to cyclists and bikers straying into the blind spots of HGVs and buses. It was timed to coincide with a potential increase in cyclist and biker deaths and serious injuries due to mornings and evenings being darker in the winter months.

In the five years 2007/2011 there have been 12 motorcyclists and pedal cyclists killed and 44 seriously injured as a result of accidents with HGVs and buses on the roads of Greater Manchester. In the same period five road deaths and 10 serious injuries occurred where the driver’s vision was affected by the vehicle’s blind spot.

Campaigners say that cyclists, bikers and HGV drivers should take extra care when sharing the road to ensure that they are visible to each other. Drivers should especially watch out for cyclists when turning left.

Cyclists are warned to give HGVs a wide berth and remember that behind a lorry is the safest place to be. They should also move forward when stopped in front of a truck and only overtake on the right when safe to do so to ensure that they remain visible to the driver.

This increased policing focus on road safety is a part of Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. This was an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year and reversed a long term downward trend in road deaths.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working with other emergency services and partners to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents ie drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said; “Stay safe, stay back is the most important message we can give to cyclists and bikers. They, by the very nature of their mode of transport are especially vulnerable on the roads and should along with other road users take extra care when sharing our roads.

“Visibility is the key factor in many traffic accidents and cyclists and bikers can increase theirs by good road positioning, ensuring they use front and rear lights and wearing high-vis clothing.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention Services, said: “Our fire fighters rescue more people from road traffic collisions than they do from house fires, so we’re committed to improving the safety on our roads.

“We know what devastation a road traffic collision can have, not only on those involved but on their family and the wider community. We are determined to do all we can to reduce these collisions and the number of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe said: “Greater Manchester has some of the busiest roads in the country and being a major hub for commercial activity has more than its fair share of HGVs either visiting or passing through the county. Road safety is the responsibility of all road users so I would urge everyone, especially in the dark mornings and evenings to take extra care and give each other loads of room so everyone can get home safe.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

nspector Matt Bailey-Smith./

Thousands of young people will be brought face-to-face with the horrific aftermath of a road traffic collision as part of a brand new road safety initiative, ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’.

The project is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and uses real people, including emergency service staff and family members of those lost in collisions, to tell their own personal stories of tragedy and loss.

Students from across Greater Manchester will attend one of 14 performances taking place at Middleton Arena where they’ll be greeted with a party atmosphere before being hit with the harrowing and hard-hitting consequences of driving dangerously.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Major Trauma Coordinator’s, the prison service and Drivesafe have joined forces to launch the project and hope it will help reduce the number of young lives being lost on the roads of Greater Manchester.

In the last 10 years (2003-2013), there were 232 young driver related deaths in Greater Manchester. This figure includes young people and people killed by a young driver.

The average cost of young driver collisions in 2011-2013 was more than £72 million per year, which accounts for a quarter of Greater Manchester’s casualty costs.

Young people are more at risk of being involved in a collision, despite a smaller proportion of them holding a driving licence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Road safety isn’t a subject to be taken lightly and Safe Drive Stay Alive uses an emotive and hard-hitting approach to make young people sit up and think about the consequences of their decisions.

“It’s easy to switch off when looking at a poster or watching an advert but the impact of a parent stood in front of you talking about the loss of their son or daughter takes it to another level and will make even the most hardened of young people think twice about their actions”.

Dean, Dee and Hannah Wilson lost their 21-year-old son and brother when he crashed into a tree in 2010 and will be sharing their personal stories at Safe Drive Stay Alive. They said: "Although emotionally very difficult, as a family we feel a certain sense of pride in being

invited to be part of Safe Drive Stay Alive. Through our volunteering, our very simple hope is to prevent other families from suffering such a profound loss. In doing this we feel some good will come from the loss of our Matt."

Sister Karen Higham-Deakin, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Senior Major Trauma Coordinator said: “Working in the Emergency Department I’ve seen countless numbers of lives destroyed every year through dangerous or careless driving. It’s important to remember that collisions don’t just affect the victim who loses their life or sustains life changing injuries.

“As an experienced health professional helping to care for the victims of road accidents, I am still often deeply affected by the cases that I see so I can only imagine how completely devastating this is for the family and friends of the young person who has been involved in the incident.”

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: "Learning to drive opens up a sense of freedom and opportunity for young people. It also comes with a huge responsibility of keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safe from becoming casualties.

“The vast majority of young drivers take this responsibility very seriously, and become safe and considerate drivers. However, through lack of experience or peer pressure, too many are still involved in collisions involving fatalities and life changing injuries. Our emergency response crews are all too often dealing with devastating scenes where young people lose their lives.

“Safe Drive Stay Alive will play a vital role in demonstrating to thousands of young people across the county the consequences of risk taking whilst on the roads.

“We are delighted that our colleges have committed to attending, and applaud the bravery of all of our speakers, particularly those family members who will be talking to students about the true impact of losing someone they love in a road traffic collision."

Karen Delaney from Drivesafe said: “Young drivers and passengers in Greater Manchester are at a disproportionately high risk of being killed or seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions. The Safe Drive Stay Alive project, funded through the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership aims at reducing these risks through a powerful mature performance through thought provoking real scenario’s about consequences and posing preventative measures. Decision making skills are an essential part of being a safe road user”.

Steve Hynes, Greater Manchester Head of Service, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, welcomed the initiative saying, “Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in a crash on our roads often due to inexperience and lack of knowledge of the risks. Paramedics see first-hand the horrific devastation accidents like this cause and the ongoing effects it has on the people involved and their families, for some, Christmases and birthdays are never the same again.

“This initiative is an excellent way of educating people about the dangers, providing them with a taste of the harsh reality of speeding, together with accurate and suitable information in order to make an informed choice about how they decide to drive”.

Singer-songwriter Mike Dignam has leant his support to the project and his song, Beautiful Tragedy will be played during the performance as well as being offered as a free download to students. He said: "I feel very privileged and humbled to have been asked to be involved in such an important and significant campaign aimed at young people effected by, or involved with, road traffic accidents. It's a fantastic initiative and something that resonates with me, as growing up both my parents were in the road safety police so I know how impactful these accidents can be."

Follow @SafeDriveGM on twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #SafeDriveGM to join in the conversation.

Visit www.SafeDriveGM.co.uk for more

Road safety campaigners joined forces today (24 October) on Albert Square, Manchester to demonstrate how the emergency services work together to rescue road accident victims trapped under cars.

The dramatic stunt was staged by the emergency services to highlight the dangers posed to cyclists and bikers straying into the blind spots of HGVs and buses. It was timed to coincide with a potential increase in cyclist and biker deaths and serious injuries due to mornings and evenings being darker in the winter months.

In the five years 2007/2011 there have been 12 motorcyclists and pedal cyclists killed and 44 seriously injured as a result of accidents with HGVs and buses on the roads of Greater Manchester. In the same period five road deaths and 10 serious injuries occurred where the driver’s vision was affected by the vehicle’s blind spot.

Campaigners say that cyclists, bikers and HGV drivers should take extra care when sharing the road to ensure that they are visible to each other. Drivers should especially watch out for cyclists when turning left.

Cyclists are warned to give HGVs a wide berth and remember that behind a lorry is the safest place to be. They should also move forward when stopped in front of a truck and only overtake on the right when safe to do so to ensure that they remain visible to the driver.

This increased policing focus on road safety is a part of Operation Dice launched earlier this year in response to a shocking increase in road deaths in 2011 when 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester. This was an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year and reversed a long term downward trend in road deaths.

Under Operation Dice Greater Manchester Police is working with other emergency services and partners to increase public awareness of the ‘fatal four’ factors that feature in most road accidents ie drink driving, speeding, drivers using mobile phones and drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.

It also tackles drivers putting their own lives and that of their passengers and road users at risk through dangerous driving and flouting road safety laws.

Inspector Paul Rowe from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit said; “Stay safe, stay back is the most important message we can give to cyclists and bikers. They, by the very nature of their mode of transport are especially vulnerable on the roads and should along with other road users take extra care when sharing our roads.

“Visibility is the key factor in many traffic accidents and cyclists and bikers can increase theirs by good road positioning, ensuring they use front and rear lights and wearing high-vis clothing.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention Services, said: “Our fire fighters rescue more people from road traffic collisions than they do from house fires, so we’re committed to improving the safety on our roads.

“We know what devastation a road traffic collision can have, not only on those involved but on their family and the wider community. We are determined to do all we can to reduce these collisions and the number of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe said: “Greater Manchester has some of the busiest roads in the country and being a major hub for commercial activity has more than its fair share of HGVs either visiting or passing through the county. Road safety is the responsibility of all road users so I would urge everyone, especially in the dark mornings and evenings to take extra care and give each other loads of room so everyone can get home safe.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Dean Wilson - Father of Matt Wilson who was killed when he crashed his car into a tree.

Thousands of young people will be brought face-to-face with the horrific aftermath of a road traffic collision as part of a brand new road safety initiative, ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’.

The project is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and uses real people, including emergency service staff and family members of those lost in collisions, to tell their own personal stories of tragedy and loss.

Students from across Greater Manchester will attend one of 14 performances taking place at Middleton Arena where they’ll be greeted with a party atmosphere before being hit with the harrowing and hard-hitting consequences of driving dangerously.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Major Trauma Coordinator’s, the prison service and Drivesafe have joined forces to launch the project and hope it will help reduce the number of young lives being lost on the roads of Greater Manchester.

In the last 10 years (2003-2013), there were 232 young driver related deaths in Greater Manchester. This figure includes young people and people killed by a young driver.

The average cost of young driver collisions in 2011-2013 was more than £72 million per year, which accounts for a quarter of Greater Manchester’s casualty costs.

Young people are more at risk of being involved in a collision, despite a smaller proportion of them holding a driving licence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Road safety isn’t a subject to be taken lightly and Safe Drive Stay Alive uses an emotive and hard-hitting approach to make young people sit up and think about the consequences of their decisions.

“It’s easy to switch off when looking at a poster or watching an advert but the impact of a parent stood in front of you talking about the loss of their son or daughter takes it to another level and will make even the most hardened of young people think twice about their actions”.

Dean, Dee and Hannah Wilson lost their 21-year-old son and brother when he crashed into a tree in 2010 and will be sharing their personal stories at Safe Drive Stay Alive. They said: "Although emotionally very difficult, as a family we feel a certain sense of pride in being

invited to be part of Safe Drive Stay Alive. Through our volunteering, our very simple hope is to prevent other families from suffering such a profound loss. In doing this we feel some good will come from the loss of our Matt."

Sister Karen Higham-Deakin, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Senior Major Trauma Coordinator said: “Working in the Emergency Department I’ve seen countless numbers of lives destroyed every year through dangerous or careless driving. It’s important to remember that collisions don’t just affect the victim who loses their life or sustains life changing injuries.

“As an experienced health professional helping to care for the victims of road accidents, I am still often deeply affected by the cases that I see so I can only imagine how completely devastating this is for the family and friends of the young person who has been involved in the incident.”

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: "Learning to drive opens up a sense of freedom and opportunity for young people. It also comes with a huge responsibility of keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safe from becoming casualties.

“The vast majority of young drivers take this responsibility very seriously, and become safe and considerate drivers. However, through lack of experience or peer pressure, too many are still involved in collisions involving fatalities and life changing injuries. Our emergency response crews are all too often dealing with devastating scenes where young people lose their lives.

“Safe Drive Stay Alive will play a vital role in demonstrating to thousands of young people across the county the consequences of risk taking whilst on the roads.

“We are delighted that our colleges have committed to attending, and applaud the bravery of all of our speakers, particularly those family members who will be talking to students about the true impact of losing someone they love in a road traffic collision."

Karen Delaney from Drivesafe said: “Young drivers and passengers in Greater Manchester are at a disproportionately high risk of being killed or seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions. The Safe Drive Stay Alive project, funded through the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership aims at reducing these risks through a powerful mature performance through thought provoking real scenario’s about consequences and posing preventative measures. Decision making skills are an essential part of being a safe road user”.

Steve Hynes, Greater Manchester Head of Service, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, welcomed the initiative saying, “Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in a crash on our roads often due to inexperience and lack of knowledge of the risks. Paramedics see first-hand the horrific devastation accidents like this cause and the ongoing effects it has on the people involved and their families, for some, Christmases and birthdays are never the same again.

“This initiative is an excellent way of educating people about the dangers, providing them with a taste of the harsh reality of speeding, together with accurate and suitable information in order to make an informed choice about how they decide to drive”.

Singer-songwriter Mike Dignam has leant his support to the project and his song, Beautiful Tragedy will be played during the performance as well as being offered as a free download to students. He said: "I feel very privileged and humbled to have been asked to be involved in such an important and significant campaign aimed at young people effected by, or involved with, road traffic accidents. It's a fantastic initiative and something that resonates with me, as growing up both my parents were in the road safety police so I know how impactful these accidents can be."

Follow @SafeDriveGM on twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #SafeDriveGM to join in the conversation.

Visit www.SafeDriveGM.co.uk for more

PC Greg Entwistle - GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Thousands of young people will be brought face-to-face with the horrific aftermath of a road traffic collision as part of a brand new road safety initiative, ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’.

The project is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and uses real people, including emergency service staff and family members of those lost in collisions, to tell their own personal stories of tragedy and loss.

Students from across Greater Manchester will attend one of 14 performances taking place at Middleton Arena where they’ll be greeted with a party atmosphere before being hit with the harrowing and hard-hitting consequences of driving dangerously.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Major Trauma Coordinator’s, the prison service and Drivesafe have joined forces to launch the project and hope it will help reduce the number of young lives being lost on the roads of Greater Manchester.

In the last 10 years (2003-2013), there were 232 young driver related deaths in Greater Manchester. This figure includes young people and people killed by a young driver.

The average cost of young driver collisions in 2011-2013 was more than £72 million per year, which accounts for a quarter of Greater Manchester’s casualty costs.

Young people are more at risk of being involved in a collision, despite a smaller proportion of them holding a driving licence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Road safety isn’t a subject to be taken lightly and Safe Drive Stay Alive uses an emotive and hard-hitting approach to make young people sit up and think about the consequences of their decisions.

“It’s easy to switch off when looking at a poster or watching an advert but the impact of a parent stood in front of you talking about the loss of their son or daughter takes it to another level and will make even the most hardened of young people think twice about their actions”.

Dean, Dee and Hannah Wilson lost their 21-year-old son and brother when he crashed into a tree in 2010 and will be sharing their personal stories at Safe Drive Stay Alive. They said: "Although emotionally very difficult, as a family we feel a certain sense of pride in being

invited to be part of Safe Drive Stay Alive. Through our volunteering, our very simple hope is to prevent other families from suffering such a profound loss. In doing this we feel some good will come from the loss of our Matt."

Sister Karen Higham-Deakin, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Senior Major Trauma Coordinator said: “Working in the Emergency Department I’ve seen countless numbers of lives destroyed every year through dangerous or careless driving. It’s important to remember that collisions don’t just affect the victim who loses their life or sustains life changing injuries.

“As an experienced health professional helping to care for the victims of road accidents, I am still often deeply affected by the cases that I see so I can only imagine how completely devastating this is for the family and friends of the young person who has been involved in the incident.”

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: "Learning to drive opens up a sense of freedom and opportunity for young people. It also comes with a huge responsibility of keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safe from becoming casualties.

“The vast majority of young drivers take this responsibility very seriously, and become safe and considerate drivers. However, through lack of experience or peer pressure, too many are still involved in collisions involving fatalities and life changing injuries. Our emergency response crews are all too often dealing with devastating scenes where young people lose their lives.

“Safe Drive Stay Alive will play a vital role in demonstrating to thousands of young people across the county the consequences of risk taking whilst on the roads.

“We are delighted that our colleges have committed to attending, and applaud the bravery of all of our speakers, particularly those family members who will be talking to students about the true impact of losing someone they love in a road traffic collision."

Karen Delaney from Drivesafe said: “Young drivers and passengers in Greater Manchester are at a disproportionately high risk of being killed or seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions. The Safe Drive Stay Alive project, funded through the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership aims at reducing these risks through a powerful mature performance through thought provoking real scenario’s about consequences and posing preventative measures. Decision making skills are an essential part of being a safe road user”.

Steve Hynes, Greater Manchester Head of Service, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, welcomed the initiative saying, “Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in a crash on our roads often due to inexperience and lack of knowledge of the risks. Paramedics see first-hand the horrific devastation accidents like this cause and the ongoing effects it has on the people involved and their families, for some, Christmases and birthdays are never the same again.

“This initiative is an excellent way of educating people about the dangers, providing them with a taste of the harsh reality of speeding, together with accurate and suitable information in order to make an informed choice about how they decide to drive”.

Singer-songwriter Mike Dignam has leant his support to the project and his song, Beautiful Tragedy will be played during the performance as well as being offered as a free download to students. He said: "I feel very privileged and humbled to have been asked to be involved in such an important and significant campaign aimed at young people effected by, or involved with, road traffic accidents. It's a fantastic initiative and something that resonates with me, as growing up both my parents were in the road safety police so I know how impactful these accidents can be."

Follow @SafeDriveGM on twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #SafeDriveGM to join in the conversation.

Visit www.SafeDriveGM.co.uk for more

Station Manager Phil Nelson - Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service.

Thousands of young people will be brought face-to-face with the horrific aftermath of a road traffic collision as part of a brand new road safety initiative, ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’.

The project is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and uses real people, including emergency service staff and family members of those lost in collisions, to tell their own personal stories of tragedy and loss.

Students from across Greater Manchester will attend one of 14 performances taking place at Middleton Arena where they’ll be greeted with a party atmosphere before being hit with the harrowing and hard-hitting consequences of driving dangerously.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Major Trauma Coordinator’s, the prison service and Drivesafe have joined forces to launch the project and hope it will help reduce the number of young lives being lost on the roads of Greater Manchester.

In the last 10 years (2003-2013), there were 232 young driver related deaths in Greater Manchester. This figure includes young people and people killed by a young driver.

The average cost of young driver collisions in 2011-2013 was more than £72 million per year, which accounts for a quarter of Greater Manchester’s casualty costs.

Young people are more at risk of being involved in a collision, despite a smaller proportion of them holding a driving licence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Road safety isn’t a subject to be taken lightly and Safe Drive Stay Alive uses an emotive and hard-hitting approach to make young people sit up and think about the consequences of their decisions.

“It’s easy to switch off when looking at a poster or watching an advert but the impact of a parent stood in front of you talking about the loss of their son or daughter takes it to another level and will make even the most hardened of young people think twice about their actions”.

Dean, Dee and Hannah Wilson lost their 21-year-old son and brother when he crashed into a tree in 2010 and will be sharing their personal stories at Safe Drive Stay Alive. They said: "Although emotionally very difficult, as a family we feel a certain sense of pride in being

invited to be part of Safe Drive Stay Alive. Through our volunteering, our very simple hope is to prevent other families from suffering such a profound loss. In doing this we feel some good will come from the loss of our Matt."

Sister Karen Higham-Deakin, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Senior Major Trauma Coordinator said: “Working in the Emergency Department I’ve seen countless numbers of lives destroyed every year through dangerous or careless driving. It’s important to remember that collisions don’t just affect the victim who loses their life or sustains life changing injuries.

“As an experienced health professional helping to care for the victims of road accidents, I am still often deeply affected by the cases that I see so I can only imagine how completely devastating this is for the family and friends of the young person who has been involved in the incident.”

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: "Learning to drive opens up a sense of freedom and opportunity for young people. It also comes with a huge responsibility of keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safe from becoming casualties.

“The vast majority of young drivers take this responsibility very seriously, and become safe and considerate drivers. However, through lack of experience or peer pressure, too many are still involved in collisions involving fatalities and life changing injuries. Our emergency response crews are all too often dealing with devastating scenes where young people lose their lives.

“Safe Drive Stay Alive will play a vital role in demonstrating to thousands of young people across the county the consequences of risk taking whilst on the roads.

“We are delighted that our colleges have committed to attending, and applaud the bravery of all of our speakers, particularly those family members who will be talking to students about the true impact of losing someone they love in a road traffic collision."

Karen Delaney from Drivesafe said: “Young drivers and passengers in Greater Manchester are at a disproportionately high risk of being killed or seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions. The Safe Drive Stay Alive project, funded through the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership aims at reducing these risks through a powerful mature performance through thought provoking real scenario’s about consequences and posing preventative measures. Decision making skills are an essential part of being a safe road user”.

Steve Hynes, Greater Manchester Head of Service, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, welcomed the initiative saying, “Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in a crash on our roads often due to inexperience and lack of knowledge of the risks. Paramedics see first-hand the horrific devastation accidents like this cause and the ongoing effects it has on the people involved and their families, for some, Christmases and birthdays are never the same again.

“This initiative is an excellent way of educating people about the dangers, providing them with a taste of the harsh reality of speeding, together with accurate and suitable information in order to make an informed choice about how they decide to drive”.

Singer-songwriter Mike Dignam has leant his support to the project and his song, Beautiful Tragedy will be played during the performance as well as being offered as a free download to students. He said: "I feel very privileged and humbled to have been asked to be involved in such an important and significant campaign aimed at young people effected by, or involved with, road traffic accidents. It's a fantastic initiative and something that resonates with me, as growing up both my parents were in the road safety police so I know how impactful these accidents can be."

Follow @SafeDriveGM on twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #SafeDriveGM to join in the conversation.

Visit www.SafeDriveGM.co.uk for more

Attempting tasks while wearing 'beer googles' that simulate the effects of drink driving.

Police, ambulance and the fire service have launched their annual clampdown on drink driving ahead of the festive season.

As the Christmas party period looms, emergency services are reminding motorists of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Greater Manchester Police will be running a month-long operation throughout December which will see officers breathalysing drivers around the clock, including the morning after.

Motorists caught over the limit will be processed like any other criminal and face at least a year’s driving ban, criminal record and up to £5,000 fine.

More than 300 people were arrested during last year’s Christmas operation and figures for the first half of this year show there have been 70 collisions involving alcohol.

At the launch event at the Trafford Centre Elaine, a mother who lost her child in a drink drive collision, told her story to help highlight the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit and coordinator of this year’s anti-drink drive campaign said: “When we talk about drink drivers, we’re not talking about people that are drunk to the point of being unable to stand or speak.

“Obviously this does happen, but it’s really important that people understand that you don’t have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Just a couple of drinks presents a risk and can affect your ability to drive.

“If you’re going out the simplest thing to do is to leave your car at home or, if you must drive, have none for the road and take the guess work out of it.”

Steve Hynes, Head of Service for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “During the winter period, we see a considerable rise in the number of 999 calls received about road traffic collisions. Even one alcoholic drink can severely impact on a driver’s reaction time and ability to control their vehicle.

“Combined with the adverse weather we have seen in recent years, drinking and driving over the festive period can lead to serious, life-threatening cases and, in some circumstances, death.

“We see first-hand the devastation drink driving can cause. If you’re planning on having a drink, make alternative arrangements to get home safely. Don’t be tempted to drive even a short distance: you can quickly lose control of your vehicle. Stay safe and think before you drink.”

Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant County Fire Officer Peter O’Reilly, said: “We know people enjoy celebrating during the festive period, but drinking and driving is something that can result in devastating consequences.

“Our firefighters attend more and more serious road traffic collisions and cut people out of vehicles every day.

“You can’t calculate your alcohol limit, so don’t try. Please don’t drink and drive.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “This isn’t about spoiling your festive fun, it’s about making our roads safer. Drinking and driving is a dangerous, sometimes fatal combination, and we each have to behave responsibly to make sure we can all enjoy Christmas and New Year.

“We should all listen and take note of what the police and ambulance service tell us. Even just having one drink can affect how you drive so the message is clear and simple - please don’t drink and drive.”

Karen Delaney, Drivesafe, "Our priority is to ensure people are safe as possible when travelling over the festive season. One of the most important things for drivers to be aware of is that drinking at night and driving the next day, could still be enough to put you over the limit – many drivers convicted for drink driving are caught the morning after.

"If you are planning on having a drink simply plan ahead, arrange alternative means of transport both that night and the following day".

Police will be using social media throughout the festive period to give users an insight into their Christmas operation. Follow @gmpolice and @gmptraffic and use the hashtag #nonefortheroad

Law-abiding citizens can help keep drink drivers off our roads by reporting to police directly on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency where a drink driver poses a direct threat to life, please dial 999.

Thousands of young people will be brought face-to-face with the horrific aftermath of a road traffic collision as part of a brand new road safety initiative, ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’.

The project is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester and uses real people, including emergency service staff and family members of those lost in collisions, to tell their own personal stories of tragedy and loss.

Students from across Greater Manchester will attend one of 14 performances taking place at Middleton Arena where they’ll be greeted with a party atmosphere before being hit with the harrowing and hard-hitting consequences of driving dangerously.

Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Major Trauma Coordinator’s, the prison service and Drivesafe have joined forces to launch the project and hope it will help reduce the number of young lives being lost on the roads of Greater Manchester.

In the last 10 years (2003-2013), there were 232 young driver related deaths in Greater Manchester. This figure includes young people and people killed by a young driver.

The average cost of young driver collisions in 2011-2013 was more than £72 million per year, which accounts for a quarter of Greater Manchester’s casualty costs.

Young people are more at risk of being involved in a collision, despite a smaller proportion of them holding a driving licence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Road safety isn’t a subject to be taken lightly and Safe Drive Stay Alive uses an emotive and hard-hitting approach to make young people sit up and think about the consequences of their decisions.

“It’s easy to switch off when looking at a poster or watching an advert but the impact of a parent stood in front of you talking about the loss of their son or daughter takes it to another level and will make even the most hardened of young people think twice about their actions”.

Dean, Dee and Hannah Wilson lost their 21-year-old son and brother when he crashed into a tree in 2010 and will be sharing their personal stories at Safe Drive Stay Alive. They said: "Although emotionally very difficult, as a family we feel a certain sense of pride in being

invited to be part of Safe Drive Stay Alive. Through our volunteering, our very simple hope is to prevent other families from suffering such a profound loss. In doing this we feel some good will come from the loss of our Matt."

Sister Karen Higham-Deakin, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust’s Senior Major Trauma Coordinator said: “Working in the Emergency Department I’ve seen countless numbers of lives destroyed every year through dangerous or careless driving. It’s important to remember that collisions don’t just affect the victim who loses their life or sustains life changing injuries.

“As an experienced health professional helping to care for the victims of road accidents, I am still often deeply affected by the cases that I see so I can only imagine how completely devastating this is for the family and friends of the young person who has been involved in the incident.”

Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: "Learning to drive opens up a sense of freedom and opportunity for young people. It also comes with a huge responsibility of keeping themselves, their passengers and other road users safe from becoming casualties.

“The vast majority of young drivers take this responsibility very seriously, and become safe and considerate drivers. However, through lack of experience or peer pressure, too many are still involved in collisions involving fatalities and life changing injuries. Our emergency response crews are all too often dealing with devastating scenes where young people lose their lives.

“Safe Drive Stay Alive will play a vital role in demonstrating to thousands of young people across the county the consequences of risk taking whilst on the roads.

“We are delighted that our colleges have committed to attending, and applaud the bravery of all of our speakers, particularly those family members who will be talking to students about the true impact of losing someone they love in a road traffic collision."

Karen Delaney from Drivesafe said: “Young drivers and passengers in Greater Manchester are at a disproportionately high risk of being killed or seriously injured as a result of road traffic collisions. The Safe Drive Stay Alive project, funded through the Greater Manchester Casualty Reduction Partnership aims at reducing these risks through a powerful mature performance through thought provoking real scenario’s about consequences and posing preventative measures. Decision making skills are an essential part of being a safe road user”.

Steve Hynes, Greater Manchester Head of Service, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, welcomed the initiative saying, “Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in a crash on our roads often due to inexperience and lack of knowledge of the risks. Paramedics see first-hand the horrific devastation accidents like this cause and the ongoing effects it has on the people involved and their families, for some, Christmases and birthdays are never the same again.

“This initiative is an excellent way of educating people about the dangers, providing them with a taste of the harsh reality of speeding, together with accurate and suitable information in order to make an informed choice about how they decide to drive”.

Singer-songwriter Mike Dignam has leant his support to the project and his song, Beautiful Tragedy will be played during the performance as well as being offered as a free download to students. He said: "I feel very privileged and humbled to have been asked to be involved in such an important and significant campaign aimed at young people effected by, or involved with, road traffic accidents. It's a fantastic initiative and something that resonates with me, as growing up both my parents were in the road safety police so I know how impactful these accidents can be."

Follow @SafeDriveGM on twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #SafeDriveGM to join in the conversation.

Visit www.SafeDriveGM.co.uk for more

Starting December 30, 2015 and running throughout 2016, Lyft is offering discounts to riders in the city’s busiest nightlife neighborhoods. This includes Capitol Hill, Belltown, Pioneer Square, South Lake Union, University District, Ballard, and Fremont.

If you’re planning to go out in any of these areas, you can sign up for $10 off each of 5 rides, from 5 PM to 3 AM. Head to www.lyft.com/invited/SafeSeattle to redeem the discount. And tell your friends. It’s open to new and existing Lyft riders.

Moving forward in 2016, we’ll work to expand this partnership with other transportation companies so we can continue to offer safe choices are work toward our Vision Zero goal.

Greater Manchester Police and other emergency services in the county have joined forces in Manchester City Centre to highlight the dangers of drink driving by staging the aftermath of a road collision and showing how they work together to cut free and swiftly convey trapped drivers to hospital.

The dramatic event launched the start of this summer’s drink drive campaign. Last year’s campaign saw more than 5,000 drivers being breathalysed across the Greater Manchester area in June. Of those 311 tested positive and were arrested.

Over the whole of 2011 officers say 141 collisions occurred that were linked to drivers being over the limit. The year also saw a shocking rise in road deaths with 75 people losing their lives on the roads of the county an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year.

Emergency services are particularly keen to drive home the don’t drink and drive message this summer as they fear that people enjoying the Jubilee weekend and Euro 2012 may put lives at risk by getting behind the wheel after a few drinks.

Road safety campaigners point out that people driving at twice the legal limit increase their chances of causing a road crash by at least 30 times. Due to the many factors affecting inebriation they say that it is almost impossible to personally accurately gauge how fit you are to drive and recommend drivers steer clear of alcohol altogether.

Convicted drink drivers get a criminal record, lose their driving licence for at least a year and have it endorsed for 11 years. They also risk losing their job and increased insurance premiums.

However, the real cost of drink driving is the devastating loss of life or life-blighting injury it can lead to agree emergency service chiefs.

“Police officers and colleagues in the fire and rescue and ambulance service face the carnage and devastation caused by selfish drink drivers far too often” said Inspector John Armfield from Greater Manchester Police’s Roads Policing Unit.

“Going to someone’s home and telling their loved one’s that he or she will not be coming home due to the thoughtless actions of a drink driver is without doubt the worst duty that can fall on a police officer.”

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS' Head of Prevention Services, said: "Our crews now rescue more people from collisions than they do from fires - so we see the devastation a smash can cause on a daily basis.

"There are many reasons to celebrate this summer but none of them is worth mixing drinking with driving because the consequences can be horrific."

Head of Service for Greater Manchester, Ged Blezard said, “The impact these types of road incidents have on families, friends and sometimes even emergency services staff is huge. On many occasions the scene of devastation can be upsetting even for the most experienced medical professional, especially when in many circumstances the accident could have easily been avoided.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe, Greater Manchester’s Casualty Reduction Partnership added: “‘Everyone gets so excited when watching the football and England’s potential fortunes, it is easy to get carried away and go over the limit without realising it.

“It is extremely dangerous to try and calculate alcohol levels – it depends on so many factors, BMI, age, weight and food intake during the day. Those that attempt to calculate whether or not they are over the limit often find themselves being arrested for drink driving, or worse, injuring or killing themselves, or someone else.

“That’s why our message is ‘None For The Road’. If you’re planning on watching the match and having few drinks, don’t take the risk of getting behind the wheel, Greater Manchester has a fantastic public transport network and if all else fails just call a cab.”

Greater Manchester Police and other emergency services in the county have joined forces in Manchester City Centre to highlight the dangers of drink driving by staging the aftermath of a road collision and showing how they work together to cut free and swiftly convey trapped drivers to hospital.

The dramatic event launched the start of this summer’s drink drive campaign. Last year’s campaign saw more than 5,000 drivers being breathalysed across the Greater Manchester area in June. Of those 311 tested positive and were arrested.

Over the whole of 2011 officers say 141 collisions occurred that were linked to drivers being over the limit. The year also saw a shocking rise in road deaths with 75 people losing their lives on the roads of the county an increase of 42 per cent on the previous year.

Emergency services are particularly keen to drive home the don’t drink and drive message this summer as they fear that people enjoying the Jubilee weekend and Euro 2012 may put lives at risk by getting behind the wheel after a few drinks.

Road safety campaigners point out that people driving at twice the legal limit increase their chances of causing a road crash by at least 30 times. Due to the many factors affecting inebriation they say that it is almost impossible to personally accurately gauge how fit you are to drive and recommend drivers steer clear of alcohol altogether.

Convicted drink drivers get a criminal record, lose their driving licence for at least a year and have it endorsed for 11 years. They also risk losing their job and increased insurance premiums.

However, the real cost of drink driving is the devastating loss of life or life-blighting injury it can lead to agree emergency service chiefs.

“Police officers and colleagues in the fire and rescue and ambulance service face the carnage and devastation caused by selfish drink drivers far too often” said Inspector John Armfield from Greater Manchester Police’s Roads Policing Unit.

“Going to someone’s home and telling their loved one’s that he or she will not be coming home due to the thoughtless actions of a drink driver is without doubt the worst duty that can fall on a police officer.”

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS' Head of Prevention Services, said: "Our crews now rescue more people from collisions than they do from fires - so we see the devastation a smash can cause on a daily basis.

"There are many reasons to celebrate this summer but none of them is worth mixing drinking with driving because the consequences can be horrific."

Head of Service for Greater Manchester, Ged Blezard said, “The impact these types of road incidents have on families, friends and sometimes even emergency services staff is huge. On many occasions the scene of devastation can be upsetting even for the most experienced medical professional, especially when in many circumstances the accident could have easily been avoided.”

Karen Delaney from DriveSafe, Greater Manchester’s Casualty Reduction Partnership added: “‘Everyone gets so excited when watching the football and England’s potentials fortunes, it is easy to get carried away and go over the limit without realising it.

“It is extremely dangerous to try and calculate alcohol levels – it depends on so many factors, BMI, age, weight and food intake during the day. Those that attempt to calculate whether or not they are over the limit often find themselves being arrested for drink driving, or worse, injuring or killing themselves, or someone else.

“That’s why our message is ‘None For The Road’. If you’re planning on watching the match and having few drinks, don’t take the risk of getting behind the wheel, Greater Manchester has a fantastic public transport network and if all else fails just call a cab."

To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

to all flickr friends !!!

Please view large

Police, ambulance and the fire service have launched their annual clampdown on drink driving ahead of the festive season.

As the Christmas party period looms, emergency services are reminding motorists of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Greater Manchester Police will be running a month-long operation throughout December which will see officers breathalysing drivers around the clock, including the morning after.

Motorists caught over the limit will be processed like any other criminal and face at least a year’s driving ban, criminal record and up to £5,000 fine.

More than 300 people were arrested during last year’s Christmas operation and figures for the first half of this year show there have been 70 collisions involving alcohol.

At the launch event at the Trafford Centre Elaine, a mother who lost her child in a drink drive collision, told her story to help highlight the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit and coordinator of this year’s anti-drink drive campaign said: “When we talk about drink drivers, we’re not talking about people that are drunk to the point of being unable to stand or speak.

“Obviously this does happen, but it’s really important that people understand that you don’t have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Just a couple of drinks presents a risk and can affect your ability to drive.

“If you’re going out the simplest thing to do is to leave your car at home or, if you must drive, have none for the road and take the guess work out of it.”

Steve Hynes, Head of Service for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “During the winter period, we see a considerable rise in the number of 999 calls received about road traffic collisions. Even one alcoholic drink can severely impact on a driver’s reaction time and ability to control their vehicle.

“Combined with the adverse weather we have seen in recent years, drinking and driving over the festive period can lead to serious, life-threatening cases and, in some circumstances, death.

“We see first-hand the devastation drink driving can cause. If you’re planning on having a drink, make alternative arrangements to get home safely. Don’t be tempted to drive even a short distance: you can quickly lose control of your vehicle. Stay safe and think before you drink.”

Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant County Fire Officer Peter O’Reilly, said: “We know people enjoy celebrating during the festive period, but drinking and driving is something that can result in devastating consequences.

“Our firefighters attend more and more serious road traffic collisions and cut people out of vehicles every day.

“You can’t calculate your alcohol limit, so don’t try. Please don’t drink and drive.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “This isn’t about spoiling your festive fun, it’s about making our roads safer. Drinking and driving is a dangerous, sometimes fatal combination, and we each have to behave responsibly to make sure we can all enjoy Christmas and New Year.

“We should all listen and take note of what the police and ambulance service tell us. Even just having one drink can affect how you drive so the message is clear and simple - please don’t drink and drive.”

Karen Delaney, Drivesafe, "Our priority is to ensure people are safe as possible when travelling over the festive season. One of the most important things for drivers to be aware of is that drinking at night and driving the next day, could still be enough to put you over the limit – many drivers convicted for drink driving are caught the morning after.

"If you are planning on having a drink simply plan ahead, arrange alternative means of transport both that night and the following day".

Police will be using social media throughout the festive period to give users an insight into their Christmas operation. Follow @gmpolice and @gmptraffic and use the hashtag #nonefortheroad

Law-abiding citizens can help keep drink drivers off our roads by reporting to police directly on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency where a drink driver poses a direct threat to life, please dial 999.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy and June Webb in the Road Peace Memorial Garden.

Greater Manchester Police yesterday (Monday 2 April) launched a campaign urging people not to dice with death on the region’s roads.

Recent statistics show that 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester in 2011 compared to 53 in the previous year, an increase of 42 per cent.

The increase comes against a background trend of decreasing road deaths that has seen fatalities drop from 90 in 2006 to 53 in 2010 a decrease of more than 40 per cent.

Officers say that though there are many factors contributing to the loss of these lives they believe that speeding, drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts and drivers using mobile phones have played a significant role in many of these deaths.

Operation Dice has been set up to tackle drivers putting their own lives and that of passengers and other road users at risk through driving dangerously and flouting speeding, seat belt and mobile phone laws.

The campaign asks drivers to slow down, belt up and switch off their mobiles and will be featured on poster, bus side and road side advertising.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "The real cost of road collisions is the loss of precious lives and the devastation it causes to the family and friends of the deceased. Their pain and loss can be felt for decades and most people never really get over it.

“It can also profoundly affect people who have caused the deaths and can leave them physically and emotionally scarred.

“Speed is a major factor in pedestrian fatalities with research showing that those involved in a 30mph collision generally survive while those hit at 40mph do not. I urge drivers to consider this when they get behind the wheel and drive with due care and consideration to weather and road conditions.

“Mobile phones, Sat Navs and car stereos distract drivers preventing them paying full attention to driving safely and are a major cause of many collisions. Using the phone while driving, whether hands-free or not is a serious distraction and the safest option is to switch it off before you start the car.

“Drivers should also ensure that they and everyone in their vehicle is wearing a seat belt however short the journey."

The campaign is being supported by June Webb who lost her daughter Jodie Webb on her 21st birthday in August 2000 in a road collision. Jodie’s friend Joanne Greenwood also aged 21 also lost her life in the crash.

The launch of the campaign took place at the Road Peace Memorial Garden in Beswick, set up in memory of Jodie and Joanne and others who have lost their lives on our roads.

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Elaine, a mother who lost her child in a drink drive collision with Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith. Police, ambulance and the fire service have launched their annual clampdown on drink driving ahead of the festive season.

As the Christmas party period looms, emergency services are reminding motorists of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Greater Manchester Police will be running a month-long operation throughout December which will see officers breathalysing drivers around the clock, including the morning after.

Motorists caught over the limit will be processed like any other criminal and face at least a year’s driving ban, criminal record and up to £5,000 fine.

More than 300 people were arrested during last year’s Christmas operation and figures for the first half of this year show there have been 70 collisions involving alcohol.

At the launch event at the Trafford Centre Elaine, a mother who lost her child in a drink drive collision, told her story to help highlight the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit and coordinator of this year’s anti-drink drive campaign said: “When we talk about drink drivers, we’re not talking about people that are drunk to the point of being unable to stand or speak.

“Obviously this does happen, but it’s really important that people understand that you don’t have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Just a couple of drinks presents a risk and can affect your ability to drive.

“If you’re going out the simplest thing to do is to leave your car at home or, if you must drive, have none for the road and take the guess work out of it.”

Steve Hynes, Head of Service for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “During the winter period, we see a considerable rise in the number of 999 calls received about road traffic collisions. Even one alcoholic drink can severely impact on a driver’s reaction time and ability to control their vehicle.

“Combined with the adverse weather we have seen in recent years, drinking and driving over the festive period can lead to serious, life-threatening cases and, in some circumstances, death.

“We see first-hand the devastation drink driving can cause. If you’re planning on having a drink, make alternative arrangements to get home safely. Don’t be tempted to drive even a short distance: you can quickly lose control of your vehicle. Stay safe and think before you drink.”

Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant County Fire Officer Peter O’Reilly, said: “We know people enjoy celebrating during the festive period, but drinking and driving is something that can result in devastating consequences.

“Our firefighters attend more and more serious road traffic collisions and cut people out of vehicles every day.

“You can’t calculate your alcohol limit, so don’t try. Please don’t drink and drive.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “This isn’t about spoiling your festive fun, it’s about making our roads safer. Drinking and driving is a dangerous, sometimes fatal combination, and we each have to behave responsibly to make sure we can all enjoy Christmas and New Year.

“We should all listen and take note of what the police and ambulance service tell us. Even just having one drink can affect how you drive so the message is clear and simple - please don’t drink and drive.”

Karen Delaney, Drivesafe, "Our priority is to ensure people are safe as possible when travelling over the festive season. One of the most important things for drivers to be aware of is that drinking at night and driving the next day, could still be enough to put you over the limit – many drivers convicted for drink driving are caught the morning after.

"If you are planning on having a drink simply plan ahead, arrange alternative means of transport both that night and the following day".

Police will be using social media throughout the festive period to give users an insight into their Christmas operation. Follow @gmpolice and @gmptraffic and use the hashtag #nonefortheroad

Law-abiding citizens can help keep drink drivers off our roads by reporting to police directly on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency where a drink driver poses a direct threat to life, please dial 999.

Jim Battle, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner.

Police, ambulance and the fire service have launched their annual clampdown on drink driving ahead of the festive season.

As the Christmas party period looms, emergency services are reminding motorists of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Greater Manchester Police will be running a month-long operation throughout December which will see officers breathalysing drivers around the clock, including the morning after.

Motorists caught over the limit will be processed like any other criminal and face at least a year’s driving ban, criminal record and up to £5,000 fine.

More than 300 people were arrested during last year’s Christmas operation and figures for the first half of this year show there have been 70 collisions involving alcohol.

At the launch event at the Trafford Centre Elaine, a mother who lost her child in a drink drive collision, told her story to help highlight the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit and coordinator of this year’s anti-drink drive campaign said: “When we talk about drink drivers, we’re not talking about people that are drunk to the point of being unable to stand or speak.

“Obviously this does happen, but it’s really important that people understand that you don’t have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Just a couple of drinks presents a risk and can affect your ability to drive.

“If you’re going out the simplest thing to do is to leave your car at home or, if you must drive, have none for the road and take the guess work out of it.”

Steve Hynes, Head of Service for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “During the winter period, we see a considerable rise in the number of 999 calls received about road traffic collisions. Even one alcoholic drink can severely impact on a driver’s reaction time and ability to control their vehicle.

“Combined with the adverse weather we have seen in recent years, drinking and driving over the festive period can lead to serious, life-threatening cases and, in some circumstances, death.

“We see first-hand the devastation drink driving can cause. If you’re planning on having a drink, make alternative arrangements to get home safely. Don’t be tempted to drive even a short distance: you can quickly lose control of your vehicle. Stay safe and think before you drink.”

Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant County Fire Officer Peter O’Reilly, said: “We know people enjoy celebrating during the festive period, but drinking and driving is something that can result in devastating consequences.

“Our firefighters attend more and more serious road traffic collisions and cut people out of vehicles every day.

“You can’t calculate your alcohol limit, so don’t try. Please don’t drink and drive.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “This isn’t about spoiling your festive fun, it’s about making our roads safer. Drinking and driving is a dangerous, sometimes fatal combination, and we each have to behave responsibly to make sure we can all enjoy Christmas and New Year.

“We should all listen and take note of what the police and ambulance service tell us. Even just having one drink can affect how you drive so the message is clear and simple - please don’t drink and drive.”

Karen Delaney, Drivesafe, "Our priority is to ensure people are safe as possible when travelling over the festive season. One of the most important things for drivers to be aware of is that drinking at night and driving the next day, could still be enough to put you over the limit – many drivers convicted for drink driving are caught the morning after.

"If you are planning on having a drink simply plan ahead, arrange alternative means of transport both that night and the following day".

Police will be using social media throughout the festive period to give users an insight into their Christmas operation. Follow @gmpolice and @gmptraffic and use the hashtag #nonefortheroad

Law-abiding citizens can help keep drink drivers off our roads by reporting to police directly on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency where a drink driver poses a direct threat to life, please dial 999.

Drive safe

As i upload this last one of my liberty pics..heres a thought(pun intended)-

People always talk about 'Lady' Liberty and the statue is one of the most well known structures around the world - a symbol of freedom, liberty et al. Yet, i can’t help but see a little contradiction here. If i look at the statue itself, she doesnt really fit the bill of a lady - at least if you go by looks…strong, tall, broad shoulders(as if carrying the weight of the world), a stern stoic face- not that feminine by traditional standards. Then you think of the things we do in the name of 'liberty'. I mean we go to war in the name of Liberty and freedom dont we? How many times have you heard the President mention 'liberty' in his speeches about 'the war on terror' Nothing feminine or 'Lady' like about that! And then you think about about what we (and im talking as a guy) would do or have done for a lady or a girl...the feminine-blessing and a curse…cant live with them...cant live without them…You will ponder your life away but you will never understand what goes on in her mind...lesson here being- never underestimate the power of the Divine Feminine! :)

Greater Manchester Police targeted speeding and dangerous driving last week (16 to 22 April) in a bid to reduce road deaths and injuries.

In the first four days of this forcewide operation officers have issued 680 Fixed Penalty Notices. 519 of these were for speeding offences, 80 for using a mobile phone while driving and 81 for not wearing seatbelts.

Officers arrested 34 drivers for drink-driving and six for dangerous driving. They also gave verbal warnings and driving advice to hundreds of others for dangerous and poor driving.

The high profile clampdown is part of Operation Dice that was launched earlier this year in response to a staggering 42 per cent increase in road deaths in 2011 when compared to the previous year equating to 75 lives lost on the county’s roads.

Roads policing and local officers have been particularly targeting the ‘fatal four factors’ in road collisions as part of the week of action. These are speeding, drink-driving, drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts and drivers using mobile phones or being distracted through using in-car entertainment systems.

This week’s clampdown has been organised to coincide with a national speeding operation by all 43 police forces in the UK and a Europe-wide enforcement led by TISPOL the European Traffic Police Network.

Officers warn however that this is not a one-off crack down and that they will be continuing to target dangerous drivers round the clock across Greater Manchester in the coming year.

Penalties for dangerous and careless driving include fines, penalty points, disqualification and up to 14 years imprisonment for causing a death.

Operation Dice’s enforcement work is being supported by a hard-hitting Dicing With Death public awareness campaign featuring blood spattered furry dice that informs people of the 75 road deaths last year and urges them to drive safely.

The campaign also urges people to help reduce road deaths by providing them with information on dangerous drivers, those driving whilst disqualified or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs either directly on 101 the new single non-emergency number or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Chief Inspector Rachel Buckle from Greater Manchester Police Specialist Operations Division said: “Operation Dice is all about safeguarding precious lives and saving family and friends from having to suffer the terrible devastation that losing a loved one brings.

“Death and serious injuries are the real cost of driving dangerously and we want to urge people to seriously consider this every time they get behind the wheel and to drive with due care and consideration to weather and road conditions.

“Speed is a major factor in pedestrian, driver and passenger fatalities. Research clearly shows that pedestrians involved in a 30mph collision generally survive while those hit at 40mph do not.

“Please slow down, make sure that you and all your passengers are wearing seat belts and switch your mobile phone off before your turn your engine on. These three simple actions can help make our roads significantly safer and save families from suffering the anguish of living through the nightmare of losing someone they love.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Police, ambulance and the fire service have launched their annual clampdown on drink driving ahead of the festive season.

As the Christmas party period looms, emergency services are reminding motorists of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Greater Manchester Police will be running a month-long operation throughout December which will see officers breathalysing drivers around the clock, including the morning after.

Motorists caught over the limit will be processed like any other criminal and face at least a year’s driving ban, criminal record and up to £5,000 fine.

More than 300 people were arrested during last year’s Christmas operation and figures for the first half of this year show there have been 70 collisions involving alcohol.

At the launch event at the Trafford Centre Elaine, a mother who lost her child in a drink drive collision, told her story to help highlight the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.

Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit and coordinator of this year’s anti-drink drive campaign said: “When we talk about drink drivers, we’re not talking about people that are drunk to the point of being unable to stand or speak.

“Obviously this does happen, but it’s really important that people understand that you don’t have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Just a couple of drinks presents a risk and can affect your ability to drive.

“If you’re going out the simplest thing to do is to leave your car at home or, if you must drive, have none for the road and take the guess work out of it.”

Steve Hynes, Head of Service for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “During the winter period, we see a considerable rise in the number of 999 calls received about road traffic collisions. Even one alcoholic drink can severely impact on a driver’s reaction time and ability to control their vehicle.

“Combined with the adverse weather we have seen in recent years, drinking and driving over the festive period can lead to serious, life-threatening cases and, in some circumstances, death.

“We see first-hand the devastation drink driving can cause. If you’re planning on having a drink, make alternative arrangements to get home safely. Don’t be tempted to drive even a short distance: you can quickly lose control of your vehicle. Stay safe and think before you drink.”

Director of Prevention and Protection, Assistant County Fire Officer Peter O’Reilly, said: “We know people enjoy celebrating during the festive period, but drinking and driving is something that can result in devastating consequences.

“Our firefighters attend more and more serious road traffic collisions and cut people out of vehicles every day.

“You can’t calculate your alcohol limit, so don’t try. Please don’t drink and drive.”

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle said: “This isn’t about spoiling your festive fun, it’s about making our roads safer. Drinking and driving is a dangerous, sometimes fatal combination, and we each have to behave responsibly to make sure we can all enjoy Christmas and New Year.

“We should all listen and take note of what the police and ambulance service tell us. Even just having one drink can affect how you drive so the message is clear and simple - please don’t drink and drive.”

Karen Delaney, Drivesafe, "Our priority is to ensure people are safe as possible when travelling over the festive season. One of the most important things for drivers to be aware of is that drinking at night and driving the next day, could still be enough to put you over the limit – many drivers convicted for drink driving are caught the morning after.

"If you are planning on having a drink simply plan ahead, arrange alternative means of transport both that night and the following day".

Police will be using social media throughout the festive period to give users an insight into their Christmas operation. Follow @gmpolice and @gmptraffic and use the hashtag #nonefortheroad

Law-abiding citizens can help keep drink drivers off our roads by reporting to police directly on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency where a drink driver poses a direct threat to life, please dial 999.

Greater Manchester Police yesterday (Monday 2 April) launched a campaign urging people not to dice with death on the region’s roads.

Recent statistics show that 75 people lost their lives on the roads of Greater Manchester in 2011 compared to 53 in the previous year, an increase of 42 per cent.

The increase comes against a background trend of decreasing road deaths that has seen fatalities drop from 90 in 2006 to 53 in 2010 a decrease of more than 40 per cent.

Officers say that though there are many factors contributing to the loss of these lives they believe that speeding, drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts and drivers using mobile phones have played a significant role in many of these deaths.

Operation Dice has been set up to tackle drivers putting their own lives and that of passengers and other road users at risk through driving dangerously and flouting speeding, seat belt and mobile phone laws.

The campaign asks drivers to slow down, belt up and switch off their mobiles and will be featured on poster, bus side and road side advertising.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "The real cost of road collisions is the loss of precious lives and the devastation it causes to the family and friends of the deceased. Their pain and loss can be felt for decades and most people never really get over it.

“It can also profoundly affect people who have caused the deaths and can leave them physically and emotionally scarred.

“Speed is a major factor in pedestrian fatalities with research showing that those involved in a 30mph collision generally survive while those hit at 40mph do not. I urge drivers to consider this when they get behind the wheel and drive with due care and consideration to weather and road conditions.

“Mobile phones, Sat Navs and car stereos distract drivers preventing them paying full attention to driving safely and are a major cause of many collisions. Using the phone while driving, whether hands-free or not is a serious distraction and the safest option is to switch it off before you start the car.

“Drivers should also ensure that they and everyone in their vehicle is wearing a seat belt however short the journey."

The campaign is being supported by June Webb who lost her daughter Jodie Webb on her 21st birthday in August 2000 in a road collision. Jodie’s friend Joanne Greenwood also aged 21 also lost her life in the crash.

The launch of the campaign took place at the Road Peace Memorial Garden in Beswick, set up in memory of Jodie and Joanne and others who have lost their lives on our roads.

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Drivers are stopped.

Greater Manchester Police targeted speeding and dangerous driving last week (16 to 22 April) in a bid to reduce road deaths and injuries.

In the first four days of this forcewide operation officers have issued 680 Fixed Penalty Notices. 519 of these were for speeding offences, 80 for using a mobile phone while driving and 81 for not wearing seatbelts.

Officers arrested 34 drivers for drink-driving and six for dangerous driving. They also gave verbal warnings and driving advice to hundreds of others for dangerous and poor driving.

The high profile clampdown is part of Operation Dice that was launched earlier this year in response to a staggering 42 per cent increase in road deaths in 2011 when compared to the previous year equating to 75 lives lost on the county’s roads.

Roads policing and local officers have been particularly targeting the ‘fatal four factors’ in road collisions as part of the week of action. These are speeding, drink-driving, drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts and drivers using mobile phones or being distracted through using in-car entertainment systems.

This week’s clampdown has been organised to coincide with a national speeding operation by all 43 police forces in the UK and a Europe-wide enforcement led by TISPOL the European Traffic Police Network.

Officers warn however that this is not a one-off crack down and that they will be continuing to target dangerous drivers round the clock across Greater Manchester in the coming year.

Penalties for dangerous and careless driving include fines, penalty points, disqualification and up to 14 years imprisonment for causing a death.

Operation Dice’s enforcement work is being supported by a hard-hitting Dicing With Death public awareness campaign featuring blood spattered furry dice that informs people of the 75 road deaths last year and urges them to drive safely.

The campaign also urges people to help reduce road deaths by providing them with information on dangerous drivers, those driving whilst disqualified or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs either directly on 101 the new single non-emergency number or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Chief Inspector Rachel Buckle from Greater Manchester Police Specialist Operations Division said: “Operation Dice is all about safeguarding precious lives and saving family and friends from having to suffer the terrible devastation that losing a loved one brings.

“Death and serious injuries are the real cost of driving dangerously and we want to urge people to seriously consider this every time they get behind the wheel and to drive with due care and consideration to weather and road conditions.

“Speed is a major factor in pedestrian, driver and passenger fatalities. Research clearly shows that pedestrians involved in a 30mph collision generally survive while those hit at 40mph do not.

“Please slow down, make sure that you and all your passengers are wearing seat belts and switch your mobile phone off before your turn your engine on. These three simple actions can help make our roads significantly safer and save families from suffering the anguish of living through the nightmare of losing someone they love.”

Vist Dicing with Death for more information.

To find out more about policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk

You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

One of the smaller vehicles in use.

Greater Manchester Police’s Traffic Network Unit has, today, (1/4/11) run a major operation to tackle all aspects of road-related crime and antisocial behaviour issues in the Trafford area.

Specialist traffic officers worked with local neighbourhood policing teams and partner agencies on the operation, which included driver education, HGV checks, speed, seat belt and mobile phone enforcement and the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to target criminals using the roads. Superintendent Craig Thompson said: "The aim of the operation was to reduce crime, educate people, improve quality of life and ultimately save lives."

Click here to see the Operation Patience set.

For more information about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.

www.gmp.police.uk