GEM Road Safety Charity
Since its formation in 1932, GEM's principle aim has been Road Safety. We established our registered Road Safety Charity in 1983. This is a research and campaigning organisation, separate from our breakdown service business. Through it, we provide financial support to a large number of Road Safety campaigns across the UK.
Recent projects by the charity include research into the nation's future Road Safety targets, and schemes aimed at improving the safety of inexperienced drivers and motorcyclists.
With the proposed reduction in Government public expenditure on Road Safety, the GEM Charity can play a vital role in safety initiatives. And that helps everyone using our roads.
The Charity's Recent Campaigns
Volunteer Rider Training for 'Life Savers'
Throughout the country there are groups of volunteer riders (and some drivers) who carry out a lifesaving role by ensuring that blood and other medical products are delivered to hospitals out of normal working hours.
SERV – Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers offer their services free of charge and provide an emergency courier service for urgent medical items. The GEM Road Safety Charity has made an initial donation to SERV to provide funds to allow their volunteer riders to undergo advanced rider training.
All donations to the GEM Charity until summer 2012 will be passed to the SERV organisation. Make a donation here
Mobility Choices for Older Road Users
The GEM Charity has partly funded a major research study conducted by PACTS (Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety) which highlights a number of recommendations to ensure that the growing number of older road users remain mobile and safe on our roads. Read the full report
Get Clued Up
Drug driving is almost as widespread as drink driving among young people. We sponsor the Get Clued Up website, a resource for teachers, students and parents to help combat this growing problem.
Don't Motor on Meds
Illegal drugs are not the only danger. Medication supplied by doctors or pharmacists can seriously affect drivers and make them unsafe on the roads. To raise awareness GEM has produced a leaflet for distribution in surgeries and clinics throughout the UK.
How can the GEM Road Safety Charity help you?
The charity funds both local and national Road Safety initiatives. There's a formal application process. Requests for assistance are assessed by our trustees, following the Executive Council's recommendations. The trustees allocate financial assistance according to the merits of the application... and the availability of the other funds to applicants. Fill out the application form.
The charity also produces a range of informative road safety leaflets which are available free of charge to anyone.
If you require any help or advice on any Road Safety issue please ring 01342 825 676 or submit your enquiry using our Contact Form.
How can you help the GEM Road Safety Charity?
Spread the word
If you'd like carry one of our campaigns into your community, contact us for a supply of free leaflets and campaign materials.
Financial Support
We always need funding to continue and extend our life-saving work. We invite individuals and businesses to donate to the charity and sponsor campaigns. Even a small contribution can make a difference. Your gift is very much appreciated. Download a Charity Donation form today.