A group of 36 Tutor Representatives from the College recently attended the ‘Safe Drive, Stay Alive’ event at The Anvil in Basingstoke.  The interactive performance is part of an annual tour produced by a road safety partnership between Thames Valley and Hampshire Police forces, local councils and emergency services, with the aim of reducing the number of under 25s involved in car accidents. 

The event incorporated a video-based dramatisation shown in segments, which told the story of two car-loads of friends on an evening out and the consequences of their decisions.  There were also a number of speakers from the emergency services who shared their experiences - perhaps the most poignant part of the day was the talk from a mother who recalled the day her son died in a road traffic accident.  All of the speakers moved the audience and made all those who attended undoubtedly intent on driving with a safe approach when they get their driving licence.  The willingness of those on stage to share their personal stories was not only admirable, but brought home the importance to inexperienced young drivers of how one mistake behind the wheel can impact upon so many lives.

First year Tutor Rep, Dominique Dizon, commented, “I found the event a truly moving experience.  All the stories and anecdotes, from each and every speaker, were eye-opening, heart-warming and thought-provoking.  They delivered their own meaningful message of how failing to follow the rules of the road can end in tragedy.  Under the influence when driving, texting while driving, speeding and not wearing a seat belt are things that might make us feel ‘cool’ and rebellious, but in fact, can have very serious and sometimes fatal consequences.”

The Tutor Reps will be feeding back the key messages from the event to the student body over the coming months through bespoke materials they will create for the Tutorial Programme.  The College will also be holding a Road Safety Week in April 2019.