Driver backing hard shoulder video

A driver from the North West who says Highways Agency Traffic Officers saved his life last week is backing a new video giving hard shoulder safety advice.

Peter Baker, 27, from Didsbury in Manchester, was travelling along the M56 at Junction 3a near Wythenshawe on Wednesday (May 16), when his car broke down in heavy rain.

He had correctly pulled into the hard shoulder when Highways Agency Traffic Officers Dave Smith and Ian Wilkinson arrived to give him typical safety advice. With a drop behind the hard shoulder safety barrier, Dave and Ian, who work from Knutsford Outstation, advised Peter to instead stand well in front of his car on the side of the hard shoulder and look towards oncoming traffic.

Minutes later another car hit the back of Peter’s Fiat Punto and Peter said this week:

“You could say that the Traffic Officers saved my life - I am very grateful.

“I was standing about ten yards ahead of my car when I saw another car in the main carriageway spin and head towards mine. The back of the car hit mind and both then spun towards me. I managed to jump clear over the barrier and to be honest I think I am lucky to be alive. Those extra few yards probably saved my life.”

Peter is now backing a new Highways Agency video launched this week in time for the bank holiday and featuring popular motoring journalist Quentin Willson.

The Highways Agency is reminding drivers that the motorway hard shoulder is not the place to stop for phone calls, to check the map or even for a bite to eat.

Hard shoulder accidents claimed the lives of 67 people in the five years from 2000 - 2004, and a total of 1,017 people were killed or injured.

The new video called “Keep Safe, Keep Moving” drives home the message that the hard shoulder is for emergency use and vehicle breakdowns only.

A vehicle parked on the hard shoulder is more likely to be involved in an accident than one travelling at speed in motorway traffic, according to Highways Agency research.

Even so, drivers put themselves at risk by pulling over for non-emergencies such as taking phone calls, checking the map or even taking a comfort break.

The new video will be part of a new road safety DVD to advise road users on how they can keep themselves safe. It will be used by the Highways Agency at road safety events and copies will be available to police forces, the fire service and local safety partnerships.

Highways Agency Traffic Officers, who now patrol all of England’s motorways, regularly come across examples of mis-use of the hard shoulder.

“Keep Safe, Keep Moving”, is presented by TV motoring journalist Quentin Willson. “Keep Safe, Keep Moving” will be part of a new road safety DVD from the Highways Agency. Copies will be available to Police Forces, Fire and Rescue Services, Local Safety Partnerships and other bodies involved in road safety education.

If your vehicle breaks down on the motorway:

• Pull onto the hard shoulder and park as far to the left as you can.
• Turn on your hazard warning lights and get out of the vehicle, using the doors furthest away from the traffic.
• Contact the Highways Agency using the emergency roadside telephone.