County news: Firefighters back safety campaign

West Sussex firefighters are backing My Red Thumb Day today (Thursday May 12).
West Sussex firefighters pose with their red thumbs for the campaign.West Sussex firefighters pose with their red thumbs for the campaign.
West Sussex firefighters pose with their red thumbs for the campaign.

The safety campaign, now in its third year, aims to reduce road traffic casualties by encouraging as many people as possible to stop using their mobile phone whilst driving.

Nail varnish, tape, paint and many other creative methods are being used by West Sussex Fire and Rescue and other services as part of the push for road safety.

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Collisions on the county’s roads claimed 19 lives and seriously injured a further 439 people last year. Using a mobile phone is one of the most common distractions for drivers.

Crews are inviting the public to take part and spread the word on social media or tweet their ‘red thumb selfies’ to @WestSussexFire using the hashtag #MyRedThumb.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex, Gavin Watts, said: “Social media has become such a powerful tool to raise awareness of road safety issues and we’re hoping we can help My Red Thumb Day go viral and save lives. The sight of a firefighter in nail varnish isn’t something you’ll see every day so we hope the public get behind it by sending us their Red Thumb selfies on Thursday.

“A momentary lapse of concentration at the wheel can result in a collision that leaves families and communities devastated. That’s why road safety campaigning is an all year round occupation for us and our Sussex Safer Roads partners.”

Visit www.myredthumb.com for more information.

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