SUNDERLAND drivers were reminded of the dangers of losing concentration at the wheel, at a winter roadshow from Road Respect on Saturday [December 5].
Driving simulator van, Roadi, featuring an Oculus Virtual Reality driving simulator kit showed the city just how dangerous the roads can be, at an event in the centre of Sunderland.
Roadi temporarily moved in to Keel Square’s Frost Village on Saturday, December 5, to ensure that the city is road aware, as the party season gets into full swing.
The roadshow – which will be travelled across the region – aims to make motorists think about the risks of taking chances on the roads over Christmas. Speeding, eating, grooming and having a festive tipple are among the things motorists are being encouraged to avoid by the Road Respect mobile team.
Councillor Michael Mordey, portfolio holder for city services at Sunderland City Council, said that the roadshow was a timely reminder of how distractions can cause accidents on the roads.
He said: “Worryingly, taking risks at the wheel is something people do year round. However, at Christmas, when people are dashing around trying to prepare for the festive season, or even rushing out to meet friends or colleagues for parties, the temptation to take risks can be greater in order to save time.
“Roadi is a really engaging way of getting across what is a really important message, and hopefully the work of the team on board last Saturday will ensure that people are just that little bit more careful when they take to the roads this Christmas.”
The Roadi team was at Keel Square throughout the day on Saturday, sharing their message with people exploring the Frost Village, which has been organized by Sunderland Business Improvement District. Roadi tours the North East, on behalf of Road Respect, which aims to make the roads safer in North East England, by changing the culture on the roads and fostering respect for the law, other road users, conditions and road users themselves.
The event follows Brake’s national Road Safety Week, which saw Sunderland City Council back Sunderland teenager Rehanna Hayes’ campaign to keep road users and pedestrians safe.
To find out more about how to stay road safe – both as a pedestrian or a driver, visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/road-safety.
