A powerful roadshow aimed at teenage drivers has seen a road traffic collision staged at City Hall.
The event, which is taking place over two days has been organised by Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) in partnership with the emergency services.
The roadshow, sponsored by AXA Insurance, is aimed at encouraging younger road users to take more care and responsibility on the roads after figures show that drivers under the age of 25 are more at risk of being killed or injured on our roads.
Eight hundred young people from 10 schools and colleges across Belfast will witness first-hand the devastation caused by careless driving in a reconstruction in the grounds of City Hall. Also attending will be PSNI, NI Fire & Rescue, and Ambulance Service staff who will be involved in the ‘emergency rescue’ operation of the reconstruction.
Councillor Matt Garrett, Chair of the Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership said: “This road show has been organised to try to educate young people – the drivers of tomorrow – on the dangers of the road, and to make them more aware of the perils of careless driving, speeding or so-called ‘joyriding’.
“The roadshow is extremely hard-hitting but I hope the young people will go away with something to think about and that this event will positively influence teenage drivers who are about to embark on their motoring journey.”
The ‘story’ is told from the point of views of a police officer, a paramedic, a fire officer, an A&E consultant, and a representative of a victim support group.
Attendees will also hear the real life story of a young woman who was paralysed following a road traffic collision. The narrative is interspersed with music, video clips and television and cinema advertisements.
Head of PSNI Road Policing, Superintendent Gerry Murray said: “The key to reducing the number of young people killed and seriously injured on our roads is education.
“I have no doubt that those who attend the roadshow are shocked, perhaps even horrified by what they see. We make no apology for that.”
He added: “I hope that after seeing the roadshow they realise that they are not indestructible; that they are more vulnerable on the roads and that they must respect the roads and other road users.”
Natalie Thompson, AXA Direct Boucher Road said: “AXA is Northern Ireland’s largest motor insurer, and are proud sponsors of the PSNI roadsafe roadshows since 2006. We fully support the work the PSNI are doing to educate young people before they’re ready to drive on our roads.”
John Mc Poland from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service is called to almost 5,000 road traffic collisions every year. Too many involve young people and inexperienced drivers and tragically some of these young people are no longer with their families today.”
Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Alan Walmsley, NI Fire & Rescue Service said “Our Firefighters witness the carnage on our roads and the lives destroyed as a result of road traffic collisions all too often.
“We are taking part in this roadshow to help young people realise the very real and lasting impact of being involved in a road traffic collision.”
Welcoming the event Policing Board vice-chair Debbie Watters said: “We can all learn lessons on road safety, even those of who have been driving for years, as it only takes one slip of concentration to end up in a collision.
“It is important for young people to be aware of dangers as they start out driving so that they don’t end up being another tragic statistic.”
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