RoSPA Press Office : Press Releases : 1999

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today welcomed rule changes on mobile phones in the new Highway Code and said they were further proof of the dangers of using hand-held and hands-free phones while driving. RoSPA supports other measures in the code to stop cars becoming "mobile offices". Full Story»

New research for The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents indicates that using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the risk of having an accident. The study, carried out by the Psychology Department at Aston University, shows that the danger exists whether the phone is hand-held or hands-free, and whether the car is manual or automatic transmission. Full Story»

A warning to take care when cooking that most favourite of British dishes - the humble chip - was made by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today in preparation for National Chip Week starting on Monday. Chip pan fires claim around 30 lives a year and injure 3,000 people. Latest figures show that the chip pan is currently the second biggest cause of accidental house fires in Britain. Full Story»

Bosses will be urged to put health and safety at the top of their business agenda during a national conference organised by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. The RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Congress 1999 will look at various issues, including health and safety for youngsters on work experience, managing stress at work, and motivating managers to tackle occupational health and safety. Full Story»

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today renewed its call for a ban on mobile phones while driving after Lincoln Crown Court heard that a driver in a death crash was using a mobile phone. RoSPA says it is the sixth case in Great Britain in which a mobile phone has been implicated in a road death. Full Story»

Many companies opt for a quick-fix approach after accidents, rather than carrying out thorough investigations which could save lives in the future, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today. As part of its campaign to improve the situation, the Society published a discussion document in March 1998, and has been seeking views from major organisations. It has commissioned research at eight companies to look at good practices and policies. Full Story»

Turning up the heating and stopping draughts to keep out the cold winter air will be fatal for around 50 people this year due to carbon monoxide poisoning, according to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. RoSPA has teamed up with the Government to help raise the public awareness of the signs and dangers of carbon monoxide, through a new touring roadshow to be launched next week. Full Story»

Bosses were urged today to play their part in the new "kill your speed campaign" by giving employees more realistic schedules when driving for business. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents believes many company car and van drivers break speed limits to cram in as many calls as possible during a day. Full Story»

More than 550 people drowned accidentally in the United Kingdom last year - with floods claiming an unusually high 21 lives, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents revealed today. Inland waters like rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs and canals posed the biggest danger and led to 322 of the 552 drownings. Sixty-five people drowned in and around the home, 17 in swimming pools, 130 in coastal waters and 18 in docks and harbours. Full Story»

Despite improvements in Christmas drink-drive figures, further action is still needed to make it clear drinking and driving will not be tolerated, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said today. "Campaigns by Government and police have led to reductions in positive breath tests over the holiday period, but thousands of motorists are still acting irresponsibly," Dave Rogers, RoSPA Road Safety Adviser, said. Full Story»