The fourth National My Red Thumb day takes place on Thursday 11May. This is the day we encourage you to paint your thumb nail red as a reminder not to use your mobile phone when driving. 

My Red Thumb is a multi-agency road safety campaign designed to raise the awareness of the risks of distractions at the wheel.  The painted thumb nail acts as a reminder every time they catch sight of their red thumb. 

Laura Pratt, Community Safety Education & Road Safety, Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service said: “This year we will be trying to get as many people as possible to spread the message about the dangers of using a mobile phone whilst driving. 

“We also have silicone thumb rings to promote the message and act as a visual reminder of not to use a mobile phone whilst driving and to challenge drivers who do.”

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Road Safety team recently visited the  Exeter chiefs and spoke to their academy students who gave the thumbs up to My Red Thumb campaign.

 New law  

Following the recent law changes that came into effect on 1st March, National MyRedThumb this year is a timely reminder that driving using a mobile phone at the wheel now comes with even stricter penalties. While new drivers (within two years of passing their test) will now face losing their license if they are caught using a handheld phone at the wheel. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/double-penalties-for-motorists-using-mobiles 

The aim of the day is simple – we want as many people as possible to support the cause and promote the lifesaving MyRedThumb message – do not use a phone when driving! 

So how can you get involved?

The answer to that is simple. Paint your thumb nail red on Thursday May 11 to show your support and help us to spread the My Red Thumb message - Don't use your mobile phone when driving. 

Thumb Selfie

Why not - Take a thumb selfie and post to @DSFireUpdates using the hashtag #MyRedThumb. 

Video Competition

This year MyRedThumb is calling on all its supporters to fully embrace the 2017 challenge. They would like as many people as possible to create their own short video that gets the message that using a handheld mobile phone whilst driving is unacceptable. 

Is this you?

You might be thinking, "Really? Why would anyone ever try and use their phone whilst driving it’s such a dangerous thing to do!"… if this is you, great, but help to encourage others to think like you by pledging your support and painting your thumb red. When people ask you about your single digit paint job tell them all about the campaign and encourage them to do the same.

...or is this you? 

Alternatively, if you are thinking, "Actually, yes that is me. I do use my phone when I am driving - but not very often - and if I do I am really careful"- then this campaign really is for you. If you need some convincing that using your phone whilst being ‘in control’ of a tonne of metal is not a good thing to do. 

Did you know?

• are four times more likely to crash injuring or killing themselves and/or other people
• are much less aware of what's happening on the road around them
• fail to see road signs
• fail to maintain proper lane position and steady speed
• are more likely to 'tailgate' the vehicle in front
• react more slowly and take longer to brake
• are more likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic
• feel more stressed and frustrated

You can join in with My Red Thumb Day on Thursday May 11 by tweeting @DSFireUpdates  and using the hashtag #MyRedThumb. 

Photo

The Exeter Chiefs Academy students give the thumbs up to My Red Thumb campaign.