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Pupils from Sacred Heart Grammar School and Abbey CBS Grammar School in Newry recently were part of a road safety initiative from Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
In collaboration with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), the PCSP co-ordinated a road safety session with Sacred Heart Grammar School and The Abbey CBS Grammar School. Held on Wednesday, 9 April, over 250 students attended the ‘Your Choice’ presentation, a hard-hitting educational talk that focused on the dangers of distractions while driving, driving under the influence, and the use of mobile phones behind the wheel.
Following the presentation, students witnessed a road traffic collision demonstration in the school car park, facilitated by an experienced NIFRS crew. The demonstration vividly portrayed the real-life emergency response to a crash, including the extraction of a volunteer ‘passenger’ from the vehicle. This simulation aimed to give young people a realistic view of the potential consequences of unsafe driving and the challenges faced by emergency responders.
The PCSP also coordinated a dedicated road safety presentation for students at Clanrye Group in Slieve Gullion. In partnership with the NIFRS, the ‘Your Choice’ presentation was delivered, this time focusing specifically on the responsibilities and risks associated with being a passenger in a vehicle.
This session was organised at the request of Clanrye Group staff, who identified the need to educate young people on how to stay safe while travelling in a car. The NIFRS highlighted the importance of making smart choices as a passenger, including speaking up about unsafe driving behaviours, always wearing a seatbelt, and avoiding distractions that could impact the driver.
Speaking about the importance of these initiatives, Chair of Newry Mourne and Down PCSP, Councillor Terry Andrews said, “Educating our young people about road safety is vital to keeping them and others safe. Without the right education and awareness, a single poor decision can have life-changing consequences. The NIFRS ‘Your Choice’ presentation delivers that message in a powerful and memorable way. These initiatives help young people understand that every choice they make on the road affects more than just themselves. It affects their families, their friends, and the entire community.”
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy by the PCSP to promote road safety across the district. The PCSP continues to work closely with local schools, emergency services, and community groups to encourage individuals to make informed, responsible decisions on our roads.
For more information or enquiries you can contact Newry, Mourne and Down PCSP at PCSP@nmandd.org
