RoSPA Press Office : Press Releases : 2004

Last summer’s heatwave led to a big increase in drownings, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents revealed today as it called for help in preventing further tragedies in years to come. At least 153 people drowned in June, July and August compared with an average of 135 in the same spell during recent summers, according to provisional RoSPA statistics. The bad news comes at a time when drowning figures have been falling. It shows how hot weather tempts people to take unnecessary risks in an effort to cool off. Full Story»

RoSPA is using drama in schools to tackle the main causes of fire in Northern Ireland homes. Flaming Fables, a powerful and punchy play for 8 – 11 year olds, is staged by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, HAP (Home Accident Prevention) NI and Replay Productions. Full Story»

RoSPA has rewarded local occupational health and safety groups for their commitment to making the workplace safer during 2003. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has over 80 of the groups located throughout the United Kingdom. They provide a local forum for communication between employers, educational establishments, local authorities, health and safety inspectors and trade unions. Full Story»

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today urged Northern Ireland motorists not to risk breaking the new law banning the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving, which comes into force on Sunday (Feb 1). Research has shown that whether the equipment is hand-held or hands-free, talking on a phone makes drivers four times more likely to have an accident. Ideally, the Society would like drivers prohibited from using hands-free phones as well. Full Story»

Proposals to reduce the number of penalty points motorists receive for speeding would be a backward step in terms of road safety, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said today. Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “The current system of three penalty points for speeding is the major deterrent for drivers rather than the fine. Full Story»

John Howard, Director of Safety Policy at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, has been appointed RoSPA’s new Chief Executive. Mr Howard of Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, joined the Society 19 years ago from industry as Director of Home and Leisure Safety. He later became responsible for road safety as well, and then in 1992 for all areas of RoSPA’s campaigning, including safety at work. Full Story»

RoSPA’s latest seminar on managing occupational road risk will look at everything from dealing with the dangers of drink and drugs to using new technology to reduce accidents among fleet drivers. The Focusing on Performance event will be held at the Holiday Inn, Mold, North Wales, near Chester, on February 18, and is sponsored by Continental Tyres Winter Safety Campaign. Full Story»

RoSPA has developed a new booklet for parents teaching their children to drive. But the Society needs help from mothers and fathers who have already given lessons so that it can be sure it provides the best practical advice. Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “We need parents who have been through this experience to look at what we have come up with and give us their views. Full Story»

The UK’s drink-drive problems will continue to grow unless the Government agrees to cut the current alcohol limit, RoSPA said today as figures for the festive period showed another increase in the proportion of drivers testing positive after crashes. Kevin Clinton, Head of Road Safety for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: “The proportion of people testing positive over the Christmas and New Year period is now back to what it was six years ago and the number of people killed in drink drive accidents annually has also increased. Full Story»

Government proposals announced today to reduce scaldings by controlling bath water temperature, support RoSPA’s 10-point safety plan for new homes. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is to consult on bringing water temperature safety within the scope of building regulations, because each year more than 430 under-fives are seriously injured in scalding accidents in hot baths. Full Story»