Does your organisation run a safe drive campaign? If so, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) want to hear from you.
Many fire services across the country run Safe Drive Stay Alive or similar campaigns and this ‘emotional’ and ‘powerful’ show has been going for over ten years. Hundreds of thousands of students experience first-hand accounts from the victims, family members and 999 responders who attend road traffic collisions.
Angela Redman, Commercial Business & Marketing Manager at WSFRS is asking fire services to ‘join forces’.
She said: ‘We are seeking sustainable funding for the future of Safe Drive Stay Alive. West Sussex is proactive in seeking sponsors and/or partners so if you are a fire service and are keen to work together, we want to hear from you.
‘By working together we may be able to attract alternative funding sources and larger partners and/or sponsors. We’re not the only ones who think a collaborative approach will benefit the campaign.
‘The NFCC is also communicating the benefits of working together and is calling on fire services to join forces. We have also been in touch with the Road Safety Performances Forum (RSPF), which was established to bring together representatives from young driver education schemes and they are exploring ways to collaborate in areas such as funding and engagement.’
Chris Bowles, Station Manager for WSFRS, said: ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive shows the impact a collision has, not only on the person and their family but on the whole community including the emergency services that have to deal with these horrific incidents.
‘Students come away and discuss what they’ve seen with their friends and families, which helps to spread the message further.’
Caroline Nicholls, former High Sheriff of West Sussex, supports the campaign. She said: ‘Learning to drive and passing your driving test has to be one of those life-changing times; suddenly you have the freedom and independence to go wherever and whenever you choose.
‘Get it wrong and the consequences are life-changing too. The Safe Drive Stay Alive show has such a profound and powerful impact that every young person about to start driving should have the opportunity to take part – and every penny invested in the programme in West Sussex by donors and sponsors will be money well spent in helping to reduce accidents, injuries – and deaths – on our roads.’
Some facts about the West Sussex show:
- Aimed at 17- to 24-year-old new and young drivers
- Reached 112,000 students
- 89% said they thought it was worthwhile
- 81% said it had changed their attitude
- 67% said it would change their behaviour as a passenger.
If you know of any interested partners and/or sponsors, please encourage them to contact Angela Redman on 0330 2222404 or email angela.redman@westsussex.gov.uk
For more information, go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-and-rescue-service
