The Safety Roadshow at Calderdale College saw more than a hundred students attending powerful presentations around safe driving, water safety and lithium-ion battery safety. Crews demonstrated their messaging using water flumes, interactive brake testing and examples of lithium-ion battery fires and safe charging practises. They also took part in several ‘live’ demonstrations of how we cut people out of car crashes, with some of the students willing volunteers as our firefighters cut the doors and roof from a car to free them.
Colleagues from the Roads Policing Unit also spoke to students, covering the ‘Fatal Five’ – the top causes of serious collisions, speeding, drink and drug driving, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt and careless driving. New data from the Department for Transport reveals that fatal and serious injuries among young drivers and their passengers remain disproportionately high when compared to other drivers.
Watch Manager Chris McCabe says “As firefighters, we see first-hand the devastating impact that road traffic collisions can have on families and communities. Being part of the Safety Roadshow is a powerful way for us to share those real-life experiences and help young people understand the consequences of risky behaviour behind the wheel. If even one student leaves with a better understanding of how to stay safe, then it’s been worth it.
“We’ve also welcomed the opportunity to open up the remit of the roadshow to discuss other types of safety, such as the dangers around water and lithium-ion batteries – the young people were really involved and receptive to everything we discussed, and it’s been a really rewarding experience.”
Inspector Claire Gray from the Roads Policing Unit said: “This event is an example of how we continue to work with our partners to educate the next generation about road safety. It forms part of our commitment to Vision Zero, which aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the roads.
“By speaking about our own experiences of responding to tragedies that have occurred on the roads, we hope to convey the devastating consequences and make young people think twice when they do get behind the wheel.”
David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College, said: “At Calderdale College, the safety and wellbeing of our students is always our top priority and hosting events like the Safety Roadshow gives them valuable insight into the importance of making safe choices on the road. We’re proud to support West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service in delivering these vital messages, and we recognise the important role we play as a college in helping to keep our community safe.”
