Officers from Leominster Police have been hosting and supporting Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s Dying2Drive initiative all this week.
Last year the sessions were delivered virtually due to Covid restrictions however Leominster was proud this year to be able to offer a more traditional backdrop for the hundreds of students from across the county to attend in person.
The scheme, which is supported by a number of departments across the Fire and Rescue Service sees presentations and workshops delivered by volunteers, West Mercia Police Youth Engagement team and Road Safety Team, Herefordshire Road Safety and the ELY Memorial Fund. Over the last ten years the attendance has grown significantly, which now sees around 3,000 students taking part every year across the two counties.
Via the interactive workshops, Dying 2 Drive aims to reduce the risk of death and serious injury amongst young road users as they start to travel independently in cars or on motorbikes with other young adults.
PC Jo Utley said: “There are few things more exciting to a 17 year old than passing their driving test and having that freedom and independence a car brings.
“Of course, there are lots of other distractions for young people and our aim is to make them as aware as possible of the risks that come with driving and the social life that is also part of being young.
“We discuss drugs, alcohol, phone use, speed, seat belts and distractions. There is also full reconstruction of a serious road traffic collision that requires fire crews to cut out the driver, paramedics to treat the victims and the tools that they use. It’s a powerful session and while we want young people to enjoy their new freedoms, we need to impress upon them that the choices they make can have significant impacts on their lives, their passengers, other road users and pedestrians.
“The students also met a mother of a young person killed while driving and the lessons they learn and take away from hearing stories from families who’ve lost loved ones, could possibly save their life.”
