Every year we attend more road traffic incidents than fires so teams from across HIWFRS have been busy supporting Road Safety Week 2025 organised by Brake, the road safety charity. This year’s theme is “Safe Vehicles Save Lives,” focusing on the importance of vehicle safety technology and roadworthiness.
We are determined to reduce the number of incidents, injuries and deaths on our roads which is why the Service is proud to be part of the Hampshire Safer Road Partnership and the Isle of Wight Road Safety Working Group.
Our Prevention team and crews have been busy supporting partnership activities to help keep our communities and roads safer at events across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The targeted activities have been organised in areas shown to be hot spots for road traffic incidents.
Farnborough College of Technology – Wednesday 12 November
Crews from Rushmoor Fire Station and HIWFRS Community Safety Development Officer (CSDO) Kelly joined Rushmoor Borough Council and Hampshire Constabulary at Farnborough College of Technology on Wednesday 12 November.
Whilst at the college, they helped to promote the Fatal Four causes of road traffic incidents (speed, not wearing a seat belt, distractions and drink/drug impairment) to young male drivers aged 16-24.
After a Police RTC presentation, students observed a car crash demo and took part in different activities including stacking cups whilst wearing drunk impairment goggles, a reaction buzzer game and navigating remote-control cars around cones. The activities showed how various factors can influence drivers’ reactions and increase the risk of accidents.
Worthy Down Barracks MOD event – Wednesday 19 November
On Wednesday 19 November crews from Winchester, HIWFRS Community Safety Development Officers Alex and Kelly and volunteer Graham attended Worthy Down MOD Barracks in Winchester to target young male drivers aged between 16-24 who (according to the data) are the most at-risk group for Road traffic incidents.
‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ initiative promoted to school children
Several road safety engagements have been delivered this week to help promote ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ to school children.
On Wednesday 19 November crews from Hightown Fire Station partnered with Monty’s Bike Hub in Hightown, Southampton to deliver age-appropriate learning to local children. The session aimed to raise awareness of visibility and safer travel practices, particularly during darker months and busy road conditions.
Hightown crews supported the event with tailored road-safety guidance and practical demonstrations, helping children understand why visibility is essential when walking, cycling, or scooting. Monty’s Bike Hub provided hands-on activities around safe cycling, reflective gear, and bike maintenance, making the learning interactive and engaging. The children responded enthusiastically to the activities and the staff reported improvements in pupils’ understanding of how to keep themselves safe near roads and when travelling to and from school.
In partnership with the Isle of Wight Road Safety Group , crews from Newport Fire Station visited Barton Primary school on the island to help promote the ‘Be Bright Be Seen’ road safety initiative. Whilst there they took part in workshops with the children encouraging them to brighten their bags by decorating them with high-visibility and reflective materials to highlight the importance of visibility on the roads.
Community Safety Development Officer Kelly also promoted ‘Be Bright Be Seen’ at Stoneham Park Primary Academy in Eastleigh.
Access the Road Safety area of our website for top road safety tips and further information about the road safety initiatives we support.
