Festive revellers urged not to put their lives at risk

In just five years, between 2011 and 2015, 251 pedestrians aged 18 to 24 were injured in collisions across Sheffield – many after spilling out of the city’s pubs and clubs at night.

It is sobering statistics like this which have prompted the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership – SYSRP – to launch the Be A Safe Pedestrian campaign, devised in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University Students’ Union.

Posters are being plastered in the toilets of nightspots across Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley, reminding pedestrians to look carefully when crossing the roads – with the message also being spread via social media.

Drivers are also being encouraged to show even greater caution behind the wheel at night in the run-up to Christmas and the New Year, when they are more likely to encounter pedestrians who are the worse for wear.

Joanne Wehrle, SYSRP safer roads education manager, said: “After a few drinks it is not uncommon to see groups of young people in all our towns and cities spilling out onto the road without a thought for their own safety or for passing vehicle drivers.

“The poster is simply reminding them about basic road safety in order to keep themselves and their friends safe. If they don’t, they risk becoming a road casualty statistic and all that means for themselves and their families.”