A ROAD safety organisation in Gloucestershire is urging drivers to be sociable as well as careful in a new campaign.

Drivers of all ages and experience are being encouraged to join in with the ‘safe and sociable ethos’ outlined by the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership to improve road safety across the county.

Working on the principle that courtesy breeds courtesy, the aim is to push motorists to think of others and by doing-so share the roads with a greater degree of confidence and safety.

Three steps to sociable driving are being promoted on a new website and through social media.

They are to acknowledge when a driver gives way and to give way yourself when the opportunity arises, to indicate when changing lanes or when you intend to move, and to show that you obey speed limits.

Cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council Cllr Will Windsor Clive said: “Traditional road safety campaigns have tended to focus on negative messages and are developed on the presumption that the majority of drivers disregard the rules of the road and have a low regard for their fellow traveller.

“This simply isn’t true. Most drivers just want to get from A to B without harming or frightening anyone and in the most stress free and calm way, and we want drivers to adopt the principles of the campaign and to encourage awareness of it.”

The partnership is made up of Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, the police and Police and Crime Commissioner.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl said: “This will be a gradual process to encourage social change in driving and to help develop a road using culture that demonstrates respect and care for others."

For more information visit socialdriving.co.uk