More Than Just Numbers
In 2008, UK road deaths fell to their lowest level since 1926, when records began. The death toll was 2,943.
But the lives of 2,943 fathers, mothers, sons and daughters is 2,943 too many. At KDS, we welcomed the drop in figures, but at the same time asked ourselves what we could do to help save lives on the road.
Using Our Vans to Spread the Message of Road Safety
One of the things that we decided to do was to have our fleet of vans redesigned, to include hard-hitting road safety messages. Our vans, we realised, had the potential to be "mobile advertising hoardings" which could carry highly effective advertisements wherever we go. We therefore decided to use imagery from Brake’s powerful road safety posters on our vans, helping these images to be seen more widely while also promoting KDS's commitment to road safety. Our vans are even now making their deliveries with strong messages on mobile phone use, drinking and driving and other road safety initiatives.
Having successfully used the vans on the road, we partnered with Shell UK to place one of our vans on the forecourt of a busy Edinburgh petrol station, so that thousands of people every day would be reminded of our road safety message.
Making our Fleet Safer Through Training
Central to our philosophy of road safety is safety training for all of our drivers. We also offer driving safety training courses to other companies, through KDS Training. Our drivers report that they are proud to have received this training, and are proud to be driving vans with such a clear road safety message on them.
Public Information Initiatives
KDS continues its push to promote road safety in all facets of the community with new road safety initiatives. For example, we were delighted when Glasgow Museum of Transport agreed to display our road safety banner during the launch of our road safety week. Displaying the banner on such a large and important building in Scotland's largest city meant that tens of thousands would see it. The banner, displayed within the road vehicles section of the museum, promotes our charity partner Brake's 'Not a drop, Not a drag - Stay Sober, Save Lives' campaign.
If you have an idea that you think will help promote safety, please contact us. We are always pleased to hear from you.
Please visit Brake's Road Safety website and also take the time to sign our petition to bring about increased road safety. Your support is much appreciated.