Hard-hitting road safety event targets teenagers

Published 26 Jan 2012 08:00 0 Comments

VICTIMS of road traffic collisions and the families affected by them will be joining emergency service personnel to take part in a hard hitting road safety event next week.

The week-long Safe Drive Stay Alive initiative will be shown to more than 4000 teenagers from 21 schools and four colleges throughout Central Scotland at the MacRobert Arts Centre at the University of Stirling.

The initiative has been organised by Central Scotland Road Safety Partnership which includes Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service, Central Scotland Police, NHS Forth Valley and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Group Manager for Community Safety at Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service, Gordon Pryde, said, "Safe Drive Stay Alive is an innovative partnership event, targeted towards young people that are statistically more likely to be involved in a road traffic collision.

"Through this event, people that have been directly affected by a road traffic collision have the opportunity to share their very serious and long lasting experiences of irresponsible driving.

"The message we are sending out through this event is hard hitting but we want young people to remember it and it could help save their lives."

Teenagers will witness a re-enactment of a fictitious crash involving young people.

They will also hear frank and open accounts from people whose lives have been impacted by such incidents from victims and bereaved families to emergency service personnel.

By allowing them to hear from people affected by road traffic collisions, it is hoped that they will follow simple advice on how to drive more safely.

In 2011, Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service attended 116 road traffic collisions. Last year nine people died last year on Central Scotland's roads.

In addition 111 serious injuries were sustained with 28 serious casualties within the 17-25 age group.

Chief Inspector Brian Johnston, head of specialist support services at Central Scotland Police, said, "By attending a performance of Safe Drive Stay Alive, young people will see for themselves just how devastating the effects of a road crash are.

"Young people account for 12 per cent of the driving population but sadly they are also involved in 31 per cent of all road crashes and this is wholly unacceptable.

"Safe Drive Stay Alive will highlight the dangers young drivers and their passengers face every time they get into a car and make them aware of their responsibilities.

"Young people should never be afraid to speak up and get out if they feel that the person driving the car is not safe but also they should be aware that by causing a distraction they can be the cause of a crash.''

Dr Iain Wallace, medical director NHS Forth Valley, added, "Young drivers often feel very confident but sometimes lack the experience to keep safe on the roads.

"We see the devastating injuries which can occur in an accident and the impact on families. Showing teenagers a re-enactment of a crash may make them act more responsibly and think twice before taking risks."

Murray McEwan, community development officer for the Scottish Ambulance Service, said ambulance crews experienced first-hand the tragic circumstances that result from people taking unnecessary risks while driving.

He added, "This campaign has a profound effect on those who see it and will help to save young lives."

On Thursday 2 February, the event will be open to all young drivers, their parents and members of the public from 7pm until 8.30pm. To book tickets to this free event call the MacRobert Arts Centre Box Office on 01786 466666.

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This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 25 Jan 12

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