Pupils shown the dangers of driving by safety team
MEMBERS of Leicestershire and Hinckley and Bosworth’s emergency services as well as the council’s community safety team gathered to deliver an interactive talk to students on young driver safety.
Pupils from Hinckley’s John Cleveland Sixth Form College enjoyed a varied and interactive programme which saw staff from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue, and Police collaborate with the Road Safety Partnership.
The event focused on what not to do when driving, using presentations and interactive displays to illustrate the consequences of ignoring the essential message of do not drink, do not use your phone, do not eat, keep distractions to a minimum and wear a seatbelt.
Future drivers were also informed of the Fatal Four causes of car accidents, given the chance to test their reactions, experience driving using virtual head sets and talk with fire and police personnel.
Angela Egan, Community Safety Officer for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: “Working in a strong partnership to provide a chance for local students to work hand in hand with the relevant services is a brilliant opportunity for the students and they have been really interactive and confident.
“The Leicester Fire and Rescue Service and the operational crew from Hinckley and different parts of the county are really grateful for this invitation to work with them.”
Angela and her team from the council also brought along activities to educate students about the consequences of misusing alcohol, and pupils were given the opportunity to measure units of alcohol and make mocktails.
Hinckley police officers demonstrated a speed camera and spoke about the importance of car maintenance and securing your vehicle, while Hinckley Fire and Rescue Service staff demonstrated rescue techniques as they removed JC6 student Martha Jones from a crashed car.
Martha said: “It was really noisy in the car but I just focussed on the voice of the firefighter and calm!”
Staff member, Susan Mullen from JC6, explained: “This is a hard hitting but necessary message that all young people need to consider if they are to become safe and careful drivers.
“On behalf of the students and staff of JC6 we would like to pass on our gratitude to all the organisations that made the event possible”.
Jonathan Clarkson, spokesperson for the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Road Safety partnership added: “Younger drivers, aged 24 and under, fea- this kept me ture disproportionately in our casualty figures.
“In 2016 ninety seven younger drivers were killed or seriously injured across the Leicestershire Police force area.
“In many cases these involve one or more of the Fatal Four offences; excessive speeding, drink/drug driving, mobile phone distraction and not wearing a seatbelt.
“Being able to attend the Safer Driving Event gave us an excellent opportunity to engage with the sixth form to help spread our road safety messages.”