Road safety and drivers

Find out more about how to stay safe on the roads, and what we're doing to keep roads safe in the city.

Improve your skills

We offer New Driver Awareness sessions as part of Sussex Safer Roads Partnership but encourage people to improve their practical skills.

Local providers include the charities RoSPA and IAM who offer a variety of course through local groups.

These will enable you to minimise your risk on the roads.  Below are the common factors involved in collisions. Failure to look/see is the most common locally - both of the driver and other road users so be aware!

80% of collisions in  the city happen near junctions. Go back to the basics - MIRROR, SIGNAL, MANOUVRE - check all around, signal your intent and then move.  Be aware in heavy traffic, if turning through stationary traffic on the other side - a cyclist may be moving, hidden by stationary traffic.

Speed

Driving too fast causes 77,000 injuries and around 1,000 deaths a year in the UK - most of the accidents involving pedestrians, particularly children, happen in roads in 30mph areas.

Brighton & Hove City Council is committed to reducing speeds around the city either through education, engineering or enforcement. The council are working in partnership with the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and aim to reduce the numbers of people killed and seriously injured at fixed camera sites by 40% over the next three years. 

Visit the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership website for current camera sites and answers to your questions.

Brighton & Hove City Council are also using SIDs (Speed Indicator Device) - a display which reminds drivers to keep within the speed limit. As you drive towards the SID, your speed will flash up and if you are within the limit, the SID will smile at you. If you are breaking the limit, the speed will be shown, and the SID will show you a sad face.

SIDs will be used around the city where there are speeding and casualty problems and average speeds are over the posted limit. If you have concerns over the speeds of vehicles on a road, please contact the Road Safety Team.

Drink, drugs and driving

Approximately one in seven deaths on our roads are due to drink driving.

Studies show that compared with 10 year ago four times as many drivers killed in road accidents have illegal drugs in their bodies.

Mobile phones and driving

It is unsafe for a driver to use a hand-held mobile phone. Making or receiving a call, even with a hands-free phone can distract your attention from driving and could lead to a crash.

People caught using a mobile phone whilst driving will receive a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence. Drivers can also be prosecuted for using a hands free mobile phone if they are not in full control of the vehicle. The penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using any mobile phone include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.

Drivers must not use their phone even if they are sitting at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

Employers can also be prosecuted if their employees are required to make or receive calls whilst driving. The only exception to this law is that a driver may call 999 or 112 in response to a genuine emergency if it is unsafe or impractical to stop.

Road safety advice for older drivers

Get advice and tips for older drivers.

We also work with West Sussex County Council who offer an experienced driver assessment.  This will give you feedback on any concerns you may have and advice as to what you could do, using your car in your locality.

It currently costs £28 – to find out more details please call 01243 777554 or e-mail: driver.training@westsussex.gov.uk

Road safety advice for businesses

Almost 30% of all collisions on Sussex roads which leave participants either killed or seriously injured involve business drivers. 

Get further advice on protecting your workforce on the road.