York doctor in Chris Boardman’s road safety campaign appeal
A DOCTOR who was the first doctor at the scene of an accident in York has called on people to think carefully about road safety.
As The Press reported on Friday (April 8) York Medical Group GP Dr Andrew Field was the first doctor on the scene after a crash on Acomb Road in the town left a woman seriously injured.
The accident prompted the GP to call for an updated coordinated campaign to improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
Dr Field said about three weeks ago he himself was involved in an accident while riding a bicycle and collided with a pedestrian in the road on the corner of Blossom Street and Holgate Road.
“A man came out in front of me while I was riding my bike. I couldn’t avoid him and knocked him to the ground. Unfortunately, he suffered a very nasty head injury and a broken hip. Luckily he had surgery and is now on the mend. It was a shocking experience and I am incredibly relieved that he is okay,” he said.
“It seems that pedestrians are becoming less careful these days.
“Without referring specifically to these two incidents, it is clear that cell phone use, wearing headphones and the general lack of attention to the basics make accidents much more likely. We also have to deal with electric vehicles and increased bicycle traffic.
“I would really like to see an awareness campaign in York.
“I would like people to know that just because they don’t hear a vehicle doesn’t mean it isn’t coming.
“I would also like people to know that nothing on their phone can be interesting enough to risk their life and their physical integrity.
“And I would like drivers to consider limiting their speed significantly and be aware that pedestrians are more erratic these days.
“The effect of a lack of due diligence and care can be devastating for everyone involved.
“And for parents, you need to let your kids know that wearing headphones adds a major risk.”
Dr Field highlighted the fact that Olympic cycling gold medalist Chris Boardman is now leading a new government agency to improve cycling and walking infrastructure in England, which is expected to be based in York.
“It seems like the time has come for someone to tackle the problem,” he said.
Click here to watch a video of the Active Travel campaign.
As The Press has previously reported, the Department for Transport has announced that Mr Boardman has been appointed Acting Commissioner of Active Travel England (ATE) and is responsible for managing the national active travel budget, providing funding to projects that improve health and air quality.
It will approve and inspect active travel patterns and identify highway failures that are dangerous to vulnerable road users.
The agency will be headquartered in York from the summer.