100 PEOPLE WHO MAKE BRIGHTON WHAT IT IS: NO.26
Road safety officer Keith Baldock is quite literally a lifesaver – he’s there to stop you getting killed to bits as you wander into the city traffic with your headphones blaring; texting and tweeting as you go like a big doomed idiot.
Tell us a little bit about what you do daily to help keep us all safe.
Workwise my role is delightfully varied; working on campaigns, education sessions, research projects. Tomorrow for example I’m meeting with colleagues to determine how to bring together a community safety package and running a cycle awareness session at Brighton station.
What can we all do to help minimise the number of collisions in Brighton and Hove?
The first thing is to accept that we all need to share the roads and share the responsibility to minimise the risk for everyone. The roads are probably the most risky place we’ll be each day. Be visible, aware and ensure you are competent. Anticipate others won’t be. Most importantly – don’t be distracted or emotionally elsewhere.
A large number of Brightonians cycle, how can they avoid collisions?
See and be seen, ride to protect yourself (a metre or so away from the curb or parked cars). Be aware of vehicle blindspots, obey the Highway Code and wear a helmet. It’s great that more and more people cycle – the sustainable way to go – but take care. The city is investing in infrastructure but we’re responsible for our own and others’ safety.
What do you hope to achieve in Brighton during the UN’s Decade of Action For Road Safety?
Personally I’d like to have helped – in my minor way – to reduce casualties by half. The Scandinavian goal is zero and we work towards that too but I’m realistic – or maybe not optimistic enough.
What’s your favourite thing about having an unconventional job?
I enjoy all the variety, but ultimately engaging with people to try and achieve something that is worthwhile – minimising the misery in our world. Got to be worth it!
Photo by James Kendall
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