Travis Perkins, in association with the Joint Fire Service & Police Safer Roads Engagement Team, Northamptonshire Highways and 3D Driving Awareness hosted a ‘Too Fast Too Soon’ workshop at Northampton Academy to enforce a crucial road safety message to young drivers of the future.
Northamptonshire Police spoke about the ‘fatal four’ main causes of road accidents involving young people in the UK, which are; driving under the influence, speeding, using mobile phones at the wheel and not wearing seatbelts
Dave Lee from Northants Police safer roads said; “This is a massive benefit to be able to work together with the other agencies and partnerships to present the fatal four to students in such a thought provoking way”
A hard hitting film was shown, featuring a reconstruction of a group of young people preparing to go to a party after consuming alcohol in their local pub. The film showed the shocking reality of what can happen after a fatal crash, and the after effects it has on the victims, their friends and of course the devastating impact on their families.
Students were challenged by 3D Driving Awareness to drive a customised go-kart around a track, without hitting the obstacles – this was an easy task until they wore the impairment goggles, designed to simulate what you see when you are under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Wearing the goggles caused students to drive more erratically resulting in the obstacles being hit numerous times. After his experience driving the car, Taylor in Year 12 commented: “Some people don’t realise that when you’re driving under the influence, you don’t realise the danger you are putting yourself and more importantly – other people in”.
Travis Perkins brought along their hi-tec safety truck to demonstrate the dangers of the road from a drivers perspective. Students were able to sit inside the vehicle and see for themselves the limited view of a lorry driver, along with the important safety features fitted to the truck; CCTV to increase visibility in blind spots and warning lights, reverse sensors and cameras. Impairment goggles were used in front of the truck to demonstrate the dangers of being a pedestrian under the influence when walking near a truck other traffic.
To drive the message home even further - Northamptonshire Highways gave students the opportunity to experience the impact of a 30mph crash in their crash simulator, most were shocked by the impact felt..
Graham Bellman, group fleet director at Travis Perkins, said: “This is an excellent initiative for young and future drivers to get a hands-on feel for the risks associated with driving while in a safe environment.
Sara Postlethwaite from the Joint Fire Service & Police Safer Roads Engagement Team said that she was: “So impressed with your students - great interaction & attitudes. Ambassadors super helpful, thanks to all.”