09/11/2011 -

2011 Road Safety Roadshow

ROADSHOW TO TARGET YOUNG DRIVERS

A Road Safety Road Show aimed at 4th year students, transition year students and all youth organisations and groups will take place on Wednesday 16th November 2011 in the Regional Sports Centre, Sligo.  The aim of the project is to encourage young drivers, and those about to commence their driving career to adopt a more responsible attitude in terms of their own driving behaviour. The consequences should they fail to do so will be clearly and graphically demonstrated.   The initiative is being organized by the Road Safety Sub Committee of Sligo County Council’s Joint Policing Committee.

There will be two sessions of the show – 10.30am and 1.45pm, each lasting approximately 90 minutes.  The theme of the show is based around Sean (an actor) a young teenager who has just passed his driving test and is getting ready to go out with his girlfriend on a typical Saturday night.  The show begins with him appearing on stage and talking about his new car and his plans for the night ahead.  He goes off to collect his girlfriend and as on so many occasions has a car crash, the images of which are projected onto a screen at the back of the stage.  The show presenter then presents a horrific picture of Sean’s fate and that of his girlfriend.

Presentations

Images of each stage of the crash are projected onto the screen and are then followed by a presentation relevant to that stage of the crash from An Garda Síochána, Ambulance Service, Fire Service, a Consultant based within the A&E Department in Sligo General Hospital, a family member of a deceased road traffic accident victim and a car crash survivor.  One by one they will talk about the car crash, what they see and do and their experiences on the roads at real road traffic accidents. 

They will also speak about their experiences of dealing with the families of the injured and bereaved and their own personal emotions. 

This is a very worthwhile event, which should leave a lasting impression on the young people present, and make young drivers aware of the potential impact of a car crash on their lives and the lives of their families and friends.

Joint Policing Committees - Background

A Joint Policing Committee was established in the Sligo County Council Administrative area in December 2008.  The Joint Policing Committee offers Local Authority elected members, An Garda Síochána, members of the Public and Oireachtas members, via a partnership approach, the opportunity to make a significant impact on the quality of life within communities.  The Roadshow is being organised by the Road Safety Sub-Committee of the Joint Policing Committee.