'Only a Fool Breaks the 2 Second Rule' - that's the rule of thumb recommended by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service as it lends support to the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) on National Road Safety Day on 6 July 2012.

The aim of the initiative is to share road safety advice and promote key road safety messages with as many members of the public as possible.

Fire and rescue service staff will available at Halfords in Mostyn Champneys Retail Park In Llandudno tomorrow (6 July) between 2-6pm to provide advice on a variety of road safety issues - look out for the red fire and rescue service Subaru vehicle.

Paul Scottfrom North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said; "We are keen to speak to drivers of all ages. There will be an opportunity to share road safety information, with a range of free advice available including copies of Young Driver magazine, and we'll be offering to check that your child seat is suitable and fitted correctly.

"Far too often our fire crews are called out to appalling road traffic collisions which are harrowing both for the members of the public involved as well as our Firefighters. In 2011 there were 6,434 road accidents involving personal injury recorded by the police inWales(National Statistics 2011) - these accidents resulted in 9406 casualties. The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service area accounted for 2297 of these casualties  - while Mid and West Wales accounted for 3345 andSouth Wales3764.  We want to work with the public to do our best to reduce the number of road traffic collisions on our roads acrossNorth Wales."

He continued "We strongly recommend the two-second rule as a rule of thumb  - by which a driver may maintain a safe following distance at any speed. It has been proven that road traffic deaths and injuries can be prevented through promotion of effective road safety interventions such as these.

"Fire officers regularly see the consequences of speeding and poor driving, and these incidents affect families and communities acrossWales. By working closely with our local fire stations, police and road safety partners on engagement initiatives such as this, we hope to can create safer drivers through effective discussion and education. This event is one of a number of events taking place acrossWalesas part of National Road Safety Day to talk to our communities about the steps they can take to help us reduce the number of collisionson our roads."

Lee Howell, CFOA President said, "I am delighted that CFOA is leading on this important road safety initiative. Despite the success over the recent years in reducing the number of RTC's, there are still an average of 5 deaths and 65 serious injuries on theUKroads each day.

"Road Safety sits high on the agenda for all Fire and Rescue Services. At a national level, responsibility for road safety sits within the Prevention, Protection and Road Safety Directorate. Dave Curry, Director of PPRS said, "25% of all fire and rescue service call outs are to road traffic collisions. Everyday our fire crews deal with the traumatic aftermath of appalling Road accidents, which are preventable. As a result of this experience and our positive relationship with the public, the fire and rescue service is ideally placed to deliver road safety messages."

Dave Etheridge, CFOA Lead for Road Safety said, "We want to encourage all Fire and Rescue Services to get involved in talking to the public on 6 July, CFOA National Road Safety Day. Too many people drive far too close to the car in front and don't allow enough time to brake safely. A recent Brake and Direct Line survey discovered that 53% of those questioned admit to breaking the two second rule on motorways. Don't forget to keep your distance and drive according to the weather conditions."

Notes for Editors:

The Chief Fire Officers' Association (CFOA)

CFOA is the professional voice of theUKfire and rescue service, supporting its members to fulfil their leadership role in protecting our local communities and making life safer through improved service delivery.  CFOA provides professional advice to inform government policy and is committed to developing both strategic and technical guidance and sharing notable practice within the wider FRS.

Membership of the Association comprises almost all the senior management of fire and rescue services in theUnited Kingdom.  CFOA is the driving force in managing change and implementing reforms in the service.