PCC's road safety campaign makes a national #Impact
A campaign launched by Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to educate young drivers about road safety has been shortlisted for a national award.#Impact has been touring schools and colleges across the county since its initial launch by PCC Lorne Green in mid-November 2016.
Since this date, more than 1,800 students, at 12 venues, have been reached through the initiative which is actively supported by Norfolk Constabulary, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service.
And #Impact has now been shortlisted for the 2017 FirstCar Young Driver Road Safety Awards under the ‘partnership scheme’ category.
Commenting on the good news Lorne Green, said: “#Impact simply would not be the success it is today without the hard work and commitment from all the partner agencies involved.
“#Impact is all about teamwork and it is wonderful news we have received such national recognition.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in delivering #Impact to the hundreds of students across the county – long may it continue to thrive.”
#Impact is spearheaded by Thomas Semmons, 19, who speaks to students about his personal experience of being involved in a serious road collision.
Thomas, from Scarning near Dereham, was seriously injured after losing control of his car in bad weather on the B1145 in Norfolk last summer. The car Thomas was driving forms an important part of the #Impact campaign as it tours schools and colleges in the county. During the event each student is given a pledge card and asked to sign it as a personal commitment to road safety.
Each event includes:
- A presentation from Thomas Semmons who survived an RTC and whose car will be on display on the day.
- A presentation from Norfolk’s Roads Policing Team on the Fatal 4.
- A practical demonstration of cutting someone out of a wrecked vehicle.
“I take very seriously the pledge I have made to do all I can to prevent young people from being seriously injured or killed on our roads,” Lorne added.
“Thomas continues to be a perfect ambassador for the #Impact campaign and I am very happy that he continues to share his experience and talk to young people about the dangers of the fatal four, whether it be drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone or excess speeding.”
The FirstCar Young Driver Road Safety Awards are sponsored by Road Safety Support (RSS) and will be presented at the Young Driver Focus event in London on 26 April.
Now in its third year, the awards scheme recognises the efforts of road safety professionals to reduce casualties among young drivers.
The 2017 awards will be presented in five categories: education and training initiative, new scheme, partnership scheme, private sector initiative and young driver campaign.
Some 20 public and private sector organisations feature on the 2017 shortlist. For more information visit the Young Driver Focus website.