Write a commentOfficers from Newry Neighbourhood Policing Team visted Abbey Grammar School last week to talk to the students about slowing down and keeping themselves safe on the roads.
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Five hundred pupils from both Abbey and Sacred Heart attended and watched Northern Ireland Fire Service provide a demonstration of cutting passengers out of a crashed car. The stark reality of this presentation hit home with many of the students.
Rod O'Hare, Station Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said: "The road traffic collision extrication at Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar was aimed at young drivers. It provided students with an insight into the carnage that the emergency services witness all too often on our roads when people don't respect everyone's journey. We want everyone in Northern Ireland to be safe when out and about on the roads, not just during Road Safety Week but every week throughout the year.
"We all share our roads and need to respect eachother whether a driver, pedestrian or cyclist."
Constables Wilson and Evans, Newry NPT, delivered a presentation on road safety and everyone's responsibility to ensure they take steps to protect themselves on our roads.
Constable Wilson explained: "We spoke to the pupils about speed awareness, the importance of wearing a seat belt and the serious consequences of drink driving. All the young people took part in discussion and seemed to realise the importance of our messages."
Constable Evans continued: "The Slow Down event is so relevant to teenagers of this age as many of them are taking driving lessons or have just passed their driving test. We do not want to see any of these young people hurt on our roads so it is important to show them the part they have to play in ensuring their own safety."
