Road safety

Helping to keep you safe ...

Kent Fire and Rescue Service are here to help keep everyone safe, including on the roads. To do this, we work with other partners and organisations across the county ranging from the Kent and Medway Safer Roads Partnership to Kent Police and National Highways.

Did you know? ... We are also a key partner in the Kent Casualty Reduction Partnership and support the KCC Vision Zero strategy which aims to achieve zero fatalities on Kent's roads by 2050. 

If you'd like to know more about our partner agencies and how we work together, you'll find further information below.

Road safety for bikers

Many of the road crashes we attend involve motorcycles and scooters, which is why we want to help motorcyclists stay safe on the roads. We do this through our free Biker Down courses and our Firebike Scheme.

motorbike parked by side of country road

Our Firebike team go to events and track days to talk to riders about road safety. They also hold Pit Stop events where riders can stop off from their journeys and chat about the risks they face on the road.

'Biker Down' courses are managed by our Firebike team and designed to help you deal with an incident if you're involved in or see one. Learn more about the course and get in touch on our dedicated page. 

Go to Biker Down

Road safety advice from our partners

Medway Council Road Safety information

Medway Council provide helpful advice and information on road safety including details of road safety education from primary school to university, how to make our roads safer, and more.

 

Medway council road safety information

Kent Police

Advice on Road Safety including advice for newly qualified drivers, using e-scooters, driving under the influence of drink and drugs, driving offences, as well as helpful information on crime prevention.

Learn to stay legal and safe on the roads

Kent and Medway Safety Camera Partnership

From what to do if you've received a notice to saving lives, read about the Safety Camera Partnership.

Learn about safety cameras

Kent Road Safety

Kent Road Safety provide valuable information for all road users - including young and mature drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians - as well as road safety programmes for children, vehicle security and a host of other helpful advice

Go to Kent Road Safety

The Highway code, road safety and vehicle rules

The Government website provides online access to the Highway Code, as well as advice and information on road and driving safety, vehicles rules, recalls and faults, and boat safety. 

Go to the Highway code and more

National Highways

National Highways look after England's motorways and major roads. They provide information and advise for road users ranging from travel alerts to advice on road safety, including driving on motorways and in severe weather.

Take a look at National Highways

South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAMB)

Part of the NHS, South East Coast Ambulance Service 'respond to 999 calls from the public, urgent calls from healthcare professionals and provide NHS 111 services across the region'. 

Learn more about SECAMB
interior of car

Keeping your vehicle safe

  • check fuel line for wear and tear
  • loose or worn connections cause safety problems
  • check tread, pressure, damage (look out for embedded nails or glass etc)
  • radiator - check fluid levels and top up if required
  • oil - check fluid levels and top up if required
  • lights should be functioning and clean
  • your vehicle is your responsibility - windscreen wipers, child seats and seatbelts should also be checked regularly

Quick safety reminders ...

Drink and drugs

  • it is impossible for you to know how much alcohol will put you over the limit - the safest option is not to drink.
  • drunk passengers may be more of a distraction for the driver. Refuse to take anyone that you feel may be a risk to you driving safely.​​​​​

Distraction

  • distraction can be a killer - never distract the driver. It only takes a split second to lose concentration and crash.
  • drivers should always turn mobile phones off before setting out. Passengers should set phones to silent so they don't distract the driver.

Overcrowding

if all the seats are already taken and there are no seatbelts don't take the risk of getting in the car.

Kent and Medway Safer Roads Partnership

Kent Fire and Rescue Service are a partner in the Kent and Medway Safer Roads Partnership. Made up of Kent Police, Medway Council, Kent & Medway Safety Camera Partnership and National Highways, we work together to make sure important safety messages reach the people of Kent and Medway.

The partnership is overseen by the Strategic Board which is made up of senior or elected members of each organisation. There is also a Tactical Coordination Group which monitors the work of groups who underpin the important messages communicated across the county.