One thousand S5 and S6 pupils from across West Dunbartonshire were given a safety presentation on the dangers and consequences of dangerous driving.
The event held this week in the Denny Civic Theatre by West Dunbartonshire Community Safety Partnership delivered the hard hitting presentation along with Strathclyde Police, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and a Senior Charge Nurse from Minor Injuries Unit.
The pupils heard members of the emergency services talk of the aftermath of accidents, the emotional stress and the serious consequences, not only for the individuals involved but also for their family and friends. During the presentation members from the emergency services explained their role in dealing with the emergency by using a custom-made local DVD of a fatal road traffic accident involving young people.
Cllr May Smillie, Chair of West Dunbartonshire Community Safety Partnership said: “I hope this presentation makes our young people aware of the dangers every time they get into a car, either as a driver or a passenger.
She continued: “Sadly far too many young lives are lost through inexperience and dangerous inappropriate behaviour on the roads.Young people need to take on board the huge responsibility when they get behind the wheel of a car, and remember that the consequences of their actions can stay with them for the rest of their lives Hopefully these presentations will make our pupils think of their actions and by working together we can make our roads safer for everyone.”
Being first to arrive on the scene of an accident can often be a harrowing site and many of the emergency services have witnessed horrendous fatal accidents. Latest figures show 11 people died this year since April in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute, compared to only 2 deaths in 2009. Along with the fatal accidents 40 people have been seriously injured in road traffic accidents since April this year.
Strathclyde Police Chief Superintendent Calum Murray said: “Fatal road accidents are horrendous, as any member of the emergency services who has had the misfortune of attending one, will tell you. Road accidents where people lose their lives have a deep and long lasting impact on individuals, families, friends and the wider community. A lot of that damage is avoidable. I hope that the young people who attended the Safe Drive Stay Alive events this week see that and take some time to consider that their driving behaviour can influence that outcome. Finally I hope they leave, clearly having understood the stark but important message being delivered.”
It is hoped that the event encouraged pupils to think about the serious consequences of road traffic accidents and the effect this has on family, friends and also the emergency services.
