Every November, communities across the UK come together for Road Safety Week, a national campaign led by the road safety charity, Brake. It is a week dedicated to raising awareness of how preventable many road deaths and serious injuries are, and to encouraging practical steps we can all take to make every journey safer.

Road Safety Week 2025 runs from 17 to 21 November. This year’s theme is “Safe Vehicles Save Lives”, which highlights the roles that vehicle design, technology and maintenance play in helping to prevent road collisions. The aim is to ensure that every time we get in a vehicle, we are as safe as possible, whoever we are and however we travel.

Why Road Safety Week matters

Despite improvements in technology and awareness, road collisions remain a leading cause of death and serious injury in the UK. Every year, more than 1,700 people die on UK roads. Another 30,000 receive serious, life-changing injuries.

Road Safety Week is not just a reminder for drivers; it is a call to action for pedestrians, cyclists, workplaces, schools and communities alike. The week aims to raise public awareness of key road safety issues and to encourage behavioural change. By committing to safe practices and raising awareness, you help to create a safer environment for everyone.

What is a safe vehicle?

Safe vehicles are designed to prevent road collisions and protect people inside and outside the vehicle if a collision does happen.

Technology, including automated driver assistance systems, helps keep vehicles in the right lane and within speed limits. Driver safety can be managed by detecting hazards and enabling vehicles to brake in emergencies. Technology can also detect unsafe driving behaviour and inform the authorities. Safe vehicles must pass stringent crash tests and should have strong crash protection, such as seatbelts and airbags. They should be maintained to the highest standards, and drivers should carry out checks before every journey. Safe vehicles also record collisions and notify emergency services immediately.

In July 2022, under the Vehicle General Safety Regulation, several important vehicle safety features became mandatory for all new vehicles in the EU. This includes advanced braking in an emergency, intelligent speed assistance and an attention warning in case of driver drowsiness.

During Road Safety Week 2025, Brake is calling on the government to make life-saving vehicle safety technology mandatory for all new vehicles in the UK, in line with the General Safety Regulations introduced in Europe. Road safety experts have estimated that adopting the Vehicle General Safety Regulation in Britain could prevent more than 1,700 deaths and 15,000 serious injuries over 16 years. It is also estimated that it would save up to £7bn in health costs if the full package of measures were fully implemented.

How can you support Road Safety Week?

If you drive, ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and well-maintained. This includes checking your tyres, brakes, lights and mirrors before you set off on your journey. Make sure that you follow speed limits, especially in built-up areas and when conditions are poor. It is also important to avoid distractions, such as loud music or using your mobile phone while driving.

If you are a passenger, always wear a seatbelt, no matter how short the journey.

Pedestrians and cyclists also play a crucial part in road safety. Make sure that you always use designated crossings and stay alert to traffic conditions and vehicles around you. If you are a cyclist, wear visible clothing and use lights.

If you notice dangerous road design in your area (such as poor lighting, missing crossing points or speeding), raise it with your local council or road safety partnership. You can support Brake’s road safety campaigns by sharing their social media posts and writing to your local MP.

One of the most important things you can do to support Road Safety Week is to make road safety a year-round commitment. While the campaign serves as a focal point, real change happens when safe behaviour and safe systems are embedded year-round. Regular vehicle maintenance and adopting the mindset “every journey counts” are key to supporting road safety. It’s important that we all get involved because every journey we make should bring us home safely.

As an Associated Supporter of Brake, Stewarts is proud to support Road Safety Week. We are looking forward to taking part in ‘The Big Tea Brake’ fundraising campaign to help spread awareness and raise vital funds for Brake’s life-saving work.