#Impact begins new tour of the county

A campaign aimed at educating young drivers about road safety is set to begin touring the county again this week, starting with a visit to City College Norwich.

The #Impact campaign was launched by Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lorne Green, in mid-November 2016 in a bid to highlight the issue. Since this date more than 4,000 young people at 35 venues have been reached through the initiative and, after a summer break, it is hoped the message will be spread to even more students.

PCC Lorne Green said: “I take very seriously the pledge I have made to do all I can to prevent young people from being seriously injured or killed on our roads, and I am delighted that my #Impact initiative is back on the road again.

“The fact we have already managed to reach so many young people across Norfolk is simply fantastic, however it is essential the #Impact team continues to educate young people about the dangers of the fatal four, whether it be drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone behind the wheel or excess speeding.”

The #Impact presentation starts with a video of Thomas Semmons, from Scarning near Dereham, who was seriously injured after losing control of his car in bad weather on the B1145 in Norfolk.

Thomas talks about his experience and the effect the crash had, not only on him but also on his loved ones.

The campaign is actively supported by Norfolk Constabulary, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service, with students also given a ‘crashed car’ demonstration.

Inspector Jon Chapman from Norfolk Constabulary said: “We’re committed to working with our partners to improve road safety and reduce the number of serious and fatal collisions on Norfolk’s roads.

“Young drivers are disproportionately represented in casualty statistics and it is essential young people are aware of the risks on the roads, particularly around the Fatal 4 primary causes of a collision which are drink and drug driving, speeding, using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt.

“Education is key to this and what #Impact delivers is a powerful and thought-provoking presentation showing the harsh realities of what can happen if you get it wrong.

“The mock crash display helps to focus the attention of students while Thomas’ story brings it to life making it relatable.”

During the event each student is given a pledge card and asked to sign it as a personal commitment to road safety.