Young drivers enjoy informative day with police and partners, which could save lives
Ashburton Neighbourhood Police Team has joined up with partner agencies to keep college students safe this summer.
Devon & Cornwall Police is working with Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the Force Road Safety Operations Teams, Devon Air Ambulance and SPACE youth services. They recently spoke to Year 12 students from South Dartmoor Community College.
The session was part of a Road Safety Intervention Day designed with new and inexperienced drivers in mind, giving them vital knowledge and skills to keep them safe this summer when out on the roads.
Students took part in a number of interactive workshops with the agencies covering:
- First on scene response to a road traffic collision and what to do if you are involved in a road traffic incident
- Water safety including throw line rescue techniques
- Speed awareness including speed detection resources and camera demonstrations
- Discussions on the ‘Fatal Five’ causes of serious injuries and deaths on the road as well as alcohol and drugs advice from the Roads Police Team. Students were able to try carrying out tasks while wearing so-called ‘beer goggles’. The special headsets give an idea of how dangerous it is to walk, drive or carry out basic reaction tests if you are not sober.
The Fatal Five are:
- Excess and inappropriate speed
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Driving while using a mobile phone
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Not being medically fit and healthy to drive
A realistic scenario was given to students which encouraged debate and provided them with a chance to ask professionals questions relating to their lived experiences and the ways in which they can keep themselves safe.
Police Sergeant Ryan Cook, Neighbourhood Team Leader for the local area, said: “This was a great way for our Neighbourhood Policing Team to get involved with local students and give future road users an input at an impressionable age. Even if they are not the driver of the car, they will be able to make informed decisions whether or not to get into a vehicle. The aim is to build relationships with our newer road users and empower them to feel comfortable and understand risky activities prior to driving.”
This is the second year emergency services have joined together to create a bespoke piece of work for the students around the Fatal Five.
A spokesperson for South Dartmoor Community College added: “A huge thank you to the emergency services and SPACE youth services for sharing their time, expertise and insight with our students.”
For more information about the Fatal Five please visit our website Home | Devon & Cornwall Police
For updates from the Ashburton Neighbourhood Police Team why not follow Ashburton and Chudleigh Police on Facebook.
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