Companies are invited to register for Road Safety Week 2017, to help their drivers “Speed Down Save Lives”.

Coordinated by road safety charity Brake, Road Safety Week is an opportunity for employers, especially those with staff who drive for work, to develop and promote safe travel internally, raise awareness in their local community and link with other organisations to run road safety campaigns. This year, Brake has chosen the theme Speed Down Save Lives for the event, which runs 20-26 November.

Companies can play an important role in making sure their staff keep their speed down, especially when driving for work, and show they care about those using the roads around them, by running awareness-raising campaigns. Many companies also use the Week to promote road safety within schools.

Organisations can visit www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk to register for a free Road Safety Week 2017 action pack to help them raise awareness and promote safer road use to staff, contractors and the wider community.

“Speeding remains a major problem in the UK. Not only does it put people’s lives at risk, but it prevents them from being able to walk and cycle safely in their communities,” said Dave Nichols, community engagement manager for Brake. “We all live busy lives and there is often a temptation to speed up in the hope of saving time, where in fact we could be costing lives. That is why we’re encouraging everyone to Speed Down Save Lives this Road Safety Week.

“Companies can help get these vital messages out to drivers, families and young people, making a big difference to their local community. I would encourage anyone who hasn’t already registered to sign up now for our free action pack.”

Road Safety Week is supported by headline sponsor Aviva, and the Department for Transport.

Tom Daniell, digital marketing director for Aviva, said: “We’ve been working with Brake for more than a year now and together we’ve had a fantastic response from drivers, pedestrians and companies alike – but there is always more we can do.

“It’s all too easy for motorists to get into bad habits: everything from checking their mobile phone while driving, to travelling above the speed limit. But the outcomes of these actions can be catastrophic. Just one collision caused by speeding is one too many, so this year we’ll be encouraging as many people as possible to get behind the campaign.”