Stratford upon Avon Blog

Last week Stratford upon Avon College held its annual week-long programme of events to emphasise the dangers of driving to young people. This was a hard-hitting campaign to encourage young people to take greater care on the roads.

The college's road safety awareness week ran from the 19th – 23rd October and included a variety of films, lectures and discussions in partnership with Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police and Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service.

This year, a daily presentation was given covering issues such as: distraction, defensive driving, drinking and illegal substance use, general safety and speed. Undoubtedly the most powerful and influential element of the presentation was when relatives of young people (killed in a traffic incident) spoke of how the lives of the families and friends had been affected. On Thursday 22nd, Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service demonstrated how they would cut a victim from a crashed vehicle.

Road accidents in this country account for over 3,000 deaths per year – a third of these from the 17 – 25 age group. This group is at the greatest risk due to lack of experience, as well as other factors such as speeding, intoxication through drink or drugs, or recklessness. Becoming a good driver is not just a matter of learning how to control a car and pass a driving test, but about driving with the right attitude, gaining experience and recognising possible hazards or dangerous situations on the road.

Leading the campaign, Ian Lumley, Duty Officer at the College, said: “Isn’t it about time that the government introduced life-saving legislation? We are sadly lacking behind many other countries in this respect. There is no justification for the number of deaths and serious injuries that occur relentlessly, on our roads.”
0 Comments: | Post a Comment