Over 700 pupils from a number of schools across the Craigavon area recently attended the award winning PSNI Roadsafe Roadshow, which was held at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre.
Organised by the PSNI and supported by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), students heard the hard-hitting message that making one mistake whilst driving on the roads can ultimately end in a fatality.
The event centred around ‘Craig’ – a typical young driver who has just passed his driving test, has bought a new car and is excited to pick up his girlfriend. He is 17 years old, a show-off, cheeky and over-confident.
The roadshow then followed the story of Craig’s car crash and all that happened next, including the lives of those affected by the collision.
Young people heard the real-life stories from a police officer, a paramedic, a fire fighter, a hospital consultant and two others who have had their lives changed forever, due to a car accident.
“This award-winning road show was a very sobering event that I have no doubt has left a permanent impact on the young people who attended, and will hopefully influence their future driving behaviour,” commented the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy.
“To hear from real people who have lived through horrendous experiences was a hard listen – but so important, as they conveyed the reality of life for those who have been affected by a car accident.”
Alderman Mark Baxter, Chair of the PCSP, agreed. “This event was hugely impactful and very hard hitting and really gave young people an idea of how not concentrating while behind the wheel can have catastrophic repercussions.”
“It really brought home the reality of road deaths to the young audience and I know it has certainly given them a lot to think about when it is their turn to take to the road.”
This event was sponsored by AXA.
