THE inaugural rural road safety roadshow was held on Dartmoor last Saturday (September 1) and was well attended.

As well as police from Devon and Cornwall, and the police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez and staff, other agencies represented included Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Dartmoor Rangers, The Institute of Advanced Motorists, The British Horse Society and Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society.

The pilot event was staged at Haytor car park as a way to educate local residents and visitors on the uniqueness of the moor’s roads and the hazards that can occur and those at greater risk, including horse riders and cyclists. Along with the hazards, the public were educated on the ‘Fatal Five’ predominant driving behaviours that lead to death and serious injury on any road in the country — excess speed, not wearing a seatbelt, careless of inconsiderate driving, drink driving and using a mobile phone or other device handheld.

Special constable Adam Bush from the Devon and Cornwall Police rural engagement team said: ‘As a pilot event it was successful.

‘There will be a series of similar events throughout the summer period next year.’