Fire service and police issue safety plea after two collisions in five days in Caithness
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EMERGENCY services in Caithness are urging road users to be mindful of their safety and that of others following two collisions on the A882 near Watten which occurred within a five-day period at the beginning of November.
The main incident of concern involving a school minibus which had stopped on the carriageway to collect children on their way to school and was struck by another vehicle.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Police Scotland warned that with the winter months approaching there are many additional road risks to consider. These include wet and icy road conditions, darker mornings, and low blinding sun – which was a contributory factor in the collision involving the stationary school minibus.
All motorists, but in particular drivers of vehicles performing pick-up or drop off services on the main road, are asked to ensure they pull over into lay-bys wherever possible to help reduce the risk of incidents.
Children are asked to stay well back from the side of the road prior to being picked up and parents are encouraged to supervise children at the roadside and consider high-visibility clothing when waiting for buses.
We’re committed to helping to keep everyone safe, but motorists and pedestrians can help us by taking steps to protect themselves.
Other road users should be aware that school buses throughout Caithness carry out pick-up and drop-off services on, or close to, the main roads. This should be taken in to consideration when travelling in the area, particularly during periods relating to the start and finish of the school day.
Thurso-based SFRS station commander Jim Donaldson said: “I’d urge all of our communities to stay safe when travelling this winter.
“We’re absolutely committed to helping to keep everyone safe, but motorists and pedestrians can help us by taking steps to protect themselves and prevent incidents from occurring.
“Firefighters carry out a range of proactive preventative efforts with schools and communities in an effort to relay the importance of staying safe on Scotland’s roads.
“Sadly, as emergency service workers, we often see the devastating impact a road traffic collision can have.
“That is why we will do all we can to prevent collisions from occurring.”
