Pledge your support to road safety
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Sunday 16 November marks the start of Road Safety Week. It’s also World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. A day to focus on the overall scale and individual devastation caused by road deaths and injuries, as well as the impact upon families and communities.
In 2024, 1,671 people died on UK roads. And a further 28,804 suffered serious, life-changing injuries.
On 16 November, we’ll be lighting up the Wakefield Town Hall clock tower in orange in remembrance of those who have lost their lives on the roads.
“Every day we’re investing in our roads to improve their condition, improve traffic flow and introduce new safety schemes across the district.
"But we all have a responsibility to make our roads safer. And that includes keeping our vehicles in good condition.
"Regular maintenance can help prevent incidents. Especially at this time of year when poor weather and visibility can sometimes make driving conditions tricky. A few simple checks can help protect you and those around you.”
Councillor Matthew Morley
Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways
Wakefield Council is part of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Partnership, a programme to reduce the number of people being killed or seriously hurt on the county’s roads.
The Vision Zero pledge asks everyone, not just drivers, to pledge their support and make a commitment to take actions to increase safety. It includes pedestrians too, who have a part to play taking measures such as:
- Wearing something bright or reflective
- Using the Green Cross Code
You can also sign the pledge in memory of someone, and it will be added to the campaign’s memorial page.
On Thursday 20 November, Wakefield Council’s Road Safety Officers will be in the atrium of Wakefield One (near the library) to talk about the campaign and ask you to pledge your support.
Staying safe on the roads
This week is a time for motorists in particular to reflect on what actions they can take to make our roads safer. They include measures such as:
- Checking tyres, brakes, lights and windscreen wash regularly
- Making sure windscreens and mirrors are clean and fully clear of mist or ice
- Checking traffic and weather reports and adjusting driving to suit the conditions
- Driving at safe speeds and maintaining safe distances
- Making use of driver assistance technology
- Being patient and respectful
Check your vehicle
On Friday 21 November, Wakefield Council’s Road Safety Officers will be at Trinity Walk offering free tyre checks. Damaged tyres affect grip and increase the risk of accidents. In 2023, 190 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions relating to defective tyres. But it’s easy to check your tyres and the Officers will also be showing people how they can easily do that themselves using a 20p coin. They will be in Sainsbury’s car park between 10am and 2pm.
You can find out more about Vision Zero and pledge your support at: West Yorkshire Vision Zero.