The road safety campaign for the 2008 TT has been launched by the Isle of Man Department of Transport.
The campaign is a joint initiative with the Isle of Man Constabulary and features a series of images chosen to reflect the impact of a road traffic collision on a variety of different people.
The campaign’s strap line “Ride Safe. If you don’t, it could hit someone hard” presents a simple and hard-hitting message, and it’s hoped the images will make a lasting impression on all resident and visiting motorists during TT fortnight.
Road Safety Manager Gordon Edwards explained:
‘The imagery for this year’s campaign is in stark contrast to the positive message we used for the Centenary TT road safety campaign last year.’
‘We want the images to have more of an emotional impact and make people think twice about the standard of their riding and driving during the busy TT festival.’
‘The images show how different people can be affected by a road accident during the TT festival, whether it is a child who has lost one of their parents or a man or woman who has been involved in an accident themselves.’
‘Every image can be seen from many different perspectives and each person could have been involved in a number of different scenarios.’
Billboards on the TT course and general information leaflets will reinforce the road safety message.
The TT road safety campaign will be broadcast on all Isle of Man radio stations and will cover all aspects of road safety.
As well as the all important anti-drink driving message, residents will be reminded to keep animals and domestic pets away from potentially dangerous situations on the roads, bikers will be urged to avoid stopping on bends and all road users will be advised to look out for temporary speed limits in place for TT fortnight.
As part of the TT road safety campaign, the one-way system on the Mountain Road is being re-introduced for the duration of the 2008 TT festival.
A leaflet explaining the one-way system will be available from the Sea Terminal in Douglas and other outlets.
Mr Edwards added:
‘In addition to the one-way system over the Mountain Road, there are a number of recent modifications to the roads forming the TT course which we want to emphasise to our visitors, including significant changes to both Braddan Bridge and Governor’s Bridge.’
‘All these details have been compiled in the general TT 2008 Road Safety information leaflet, which will be given out to visitors at every opportunity.’
‘As the Island’s schools are closed for a large part of the TT festival, we have also produced two leaflets for children outlining the extra dangers on the road during TT and urging them to take extra care when out and about during the festival.’
Deputy Chief Constable Gary Roberts added:
‘In addition to our road safety messages already highlighted, I wish to make it clear to visitors that we have a reciprocal licence ban agreement in place. This means that individuals who are caught drinking and driving in the Isle of Man, and are disqualified from driving in the Isle of Man, will also find themselves disqualified from driving in the UK.’
‘Following a driving conviction, insurance costs rocket and the requirement to pass another driving test before a licence is restored may be imposed. To make sure everyone has an enjoyable TT you should leave your vehicle behind if you are planning to have an alcoholic drink, always adhere to the speed limits and, above all, drive or ride safe during the TT Festival.’
Transport Minister David Anderson said:
‘TT 2008 is fast approaching and after the success of the Centenary TT road safety campaign last year it’s vital that we keep road safety as our top priority during this year’s festival.’
‘While we want people to have fun during the festival, the imagery used for the campaign should act as a stark reminder that one moment of madness could end in tragedy which has an effect on more people than just yourself.’
‘I hope that this campaign will encourage visitors and residents alike to ride and drive safe during the TT period and be mindful of the increased amount of traffic on the road at this time of year.’