Students learn road safety skills as part of joint scheme

We have joined forces with colleagues from Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership to deliver road safety training to college students.

The Safe+Sound event was held at Sandyford Community Fire Station on Monday (20 March) and saw a total of 40 students participate in workshops themed around road safety workshops included hazard perception, basic vehicle maintenance, what to do if they are involved a road traffic incident (including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)) and the dangers and consequences of drink and drug driving.

The young driver workshops are just one aspect of the Safe+Sound offer from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

On Monday afternoon, Safe+Sound workshops were delivered to pupils from local schools aged nine and 10, who learnt about fire safety in the home, water safety, basic first aid, money sense and truck safety.

Helen Wood, Education Manager at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We were pleased to work alongside partners to deliver these workshops where students learned about road safety but also gained life-saving skills. The feedback received from the students was very positive and we look forward to continuing the Safe+Sound initiative in the future.”

Lee Fraser, Lecturer at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, said: “Our students engaged very well at the event and thoroughly enjoyed it.

“The event helped put into perspective the dangers of driving on the road and what consequences young drivers could face if they end up on the wrong side of the law.

“It was a great opportunity for students to be out of the classroom and engage in practical activities with life-saving skills learnt at the same time.”

Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Helen Fisher, who co-Chairs the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership alongside Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams, said: “Keeping Staffordshire’s roads as safe as possible is a key priority for myself and the Commissioner. It’s vital we keep Staffordshire’s road network as safe as possible for everyone, whether we walk, ride, cycle or drive.

“Sadly, too many people continue to die or suffer serious injuries on our roads, with devastating consequences for their families, friends and communities.

“The training provided was a fantastic opportunity for young drivers to learn skills to help keep them, and other road users, safe as well as realising the consequences of dangerous driving.”

For more information about the Safe+Sound project, visit our website.