New campaign urges drivers to slow down on Angus roads
A new campaign has been launched to tackle speeding, urging Angus drivers to slow down and help to reduce the number and severity of collisions on the county’s roads.
The latest figures show speed contributes to 1 in 5 deaths on Scotland’s roads, and the campaign highlights that even a small reduction in speed can make a difference – with research showing fatal collisions caused by drivers travelling at 65mph could be halved if the drivers slowed down by just 5mph.
Speeding increases the likelihood and severity of collisions and casualties. In 2024, there were 130 fatalities or casualties on roads in Angus.
The campaign also reminds drivers to take extra care on non-built-up roads. Although 42% of reported casualties on Scotland's roads take place on rural roads, they account for almost two-thirds (65%) of road deaths, due to higher speeds.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said: "No matter how experienced you are, collisions can happen to anyone. We know that speeding makes collisions more likely and more serious, and no-one should die or be seriously-injured on our roads. You only have to lose control once, and the consequences can be devastating.
"We’re urging drivers to make our roads safer for everyone by reducing their speed.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has also endorsed the campaign. SFRS Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour emphasised the serious consequences of driving at speed.
He said: "Driving at speed not only places the driver and any passengers at risk, but everyone else on the road, particularly pedestrians and cyclists. Sadly, many of our crews have responded to road traffic collisions and they witness the devastating aftermath. We always urge drivers to stick to speed limits and to drive to road and weather conditions to help keep themselves and others safe."
Running across television, cinema, radio and digital channels, the campaign delivers a strong message, brought to life in an advert highlighting the split-second moment before a collision from a driver’s point of view.