BRAKE, the road safety organisation, is calling for motorists to give up unsafe driving for Lent.

To help drivers meet their pledge, it has a 12-point on-the-road safety plan that is aimed to cut accidents as part of its Pledge to Drive Safely campaign.

In 2000, 3,409 people died on UK roads and 38,155 were injured, according to figures from the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. It is also estimated that 95% of crashes were caused by driver error.

For a donation of £1, motorists who sign the Pledge to Drive Safely campaign receive a pin badge, window sticker and leaflet explaining the promises they have made.

Big Brother 2000 winner Craig Phillips, TV presenter Anthea Turner and Olympic rowing medal winner Matthew Pinsent MBE and among the well-know faces that have signed the Pledge.

Mary Williams, OBE, chief executive of Brake, said: 'Many crashes could be avoided if we took more care when driving. The Pldge to Drive Safetly helps drivers make the commitment to stop death and injury on our roads. If we all sign the Pledge, UK roads would be much safer.'

12-steps to safer driving
1. Belt Up – in both the front and the back
2. Move Up – headrests if fitted
3. Slow Up – Obey speed limits, even if you are late for meetings
4. Sober Up – Never drink and drive
5. Buck Up – Stay calm. Driving when stressed leads to accidents
6. Wake Up – Take breaks for long journeys. Sleep can be as dangerous as drink driving
7. Shut Up – Do not use a mobile phone when driving. It could be a fatal distraction
8. Look Up – watch out for other road users, especially cyclists and pedestrians
9. Wise Up – Slow down if its night-time of bad weather
10. Check Up – brakes, tyres, lights, mirrors and windows all need checking regularly 11. Sharpen Up – If you need to, wear glasses and get your eyes checked regularly.