Road Safety Week 2011 date and theme announced

The date of Road Safety Week 2011 is 21-27 November 2011. The event is organised by Brake, the road safety charity, but open to everyone to help promote road safety during this established national awareness event.

Brake is encouraging schools, communities, companies and road safety professionals such as emergency services, health workers and local authorities to get involved.

Every year Brake chooses a theme for media events it runs during Road Safety Week. In 2011, it has chosen 2young2die as its theme; the name of its campaign to stop young people dying and being maimed on roads, in particular in crashes caused by young drivers; crashes that kill young people in cars and on motorbikes and other road users, often due to speed, overtaking dangerously, drink and drugs, and not wearing seat belts. Road crashes are the biggest killer of young people. In 2009, 11 young people were killed and 125 more were seriously injured every week in Great Britain.

People taking part in the Week can choose to run an educational or campaign event on this theme, or on a different theme of their choice. Brake is also urging people to consider fundraising for the charity during RSW11. Brake provides services for road crash victims, including a helpline, and campaigns for road safety in schools, colleges, companies, communities and the media.