The Safe Drive, Stay Alive project is a high-profile initiative led by the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, aimed at reducing the number of young people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions. Dr. Rob Török or Critical Care Practitioner, Lauren Dyson provides a medical/critical care perspective for the team; the red DSAA flying suit provides an identifiable hook to gain students attention and anchor some of the key messages of the campaign.

National Health Statistics state that young people are more at risk of death from a road traffic collision than from any other accidental cause. Despite this shocking statistic, there is nothing in the school curriculum to educate young people about the risk.

The Safe Drive, Stay Alive Roadshow was created to fill that gap. It is presented by serving members of the emergency services, parents of young people who have lost their lives in a road traffic collision, those left disabled and those that have actually caused a fatal road traffic collision. It is designed to make the audience aware of the nature and extent of personal tragedy and suffering that road traffic collisions cause. It leaves the audience with awareness of their personal vulnerability and accountability as new drivers.

Every young person that leaves the roadshow fully understand that they are at risk when they become a new driver. This also means they are open to accepting other forms of road safety messages such as how important it is to wear a seatbelt, stay within the speed limit, never to drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs and to stay off your mobiles to name a few.

Across Dorset and Wiltshire, the Safe Drive, Stay Alive project reaches over 15,000 young people every year. The roadshow is successful because it’s real, it’s delivered by real people with real stories to tell!

To find out more how your school or organisation can get involved, please email: [email protected] or visit: www.dwfire.org.uk

For schools and organisations in Dorset, please contact: [email protected]