PCC's road safety campaign continues to make an #Impact as it tours county
A campaign aimed at educating young drivers about road safety is continuing its tour of the county with visits to Reepham College and Gresham’s School over the next two weeks.The #Impact campaign was launched by Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lorne Green in November 2016 in a bid to highlight the issue.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Thomas Semmons, 19, who will speak to students about his personal experience of being involved in a serious road collision.
Thomas, from Scarning near Dereham, was seriously injured after losing control of his car in bad weather on the B1145 in Norfolk last summer. The car Thomas was driving forms an important part of the #Impact campaign as it tours schools and colleges in the county. During the event each student will be given a pledge card and asked to sign it as a personal commitment to road safety.
And on Wednesday (22 February 2017) Thomas will attend Reepham College in Whitwell Road to spread the message to students.
The campaign is actively supported by Norfolk Constabulary, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service.
Each event includes:
- A presentation from Thomas Semmons who survived an RTC and whose car will be on display on the day.
- A presentation from Norfolk’s Roads Policing Team on the Fatal 4.
- A practical demonstration of cutting someone out of a wrecked vehicle.
“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.
“Thomas is a perfect ambassador for the #Impact campaign and I am very happy that he has agreed to continue to share his experience and talk to young people about the dangers of the fatal four, whether it be drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone or excess speeding.”
The initiative will move on to Gresham’s School the following week on Monday 27 February 2017.
Chief Inspector Kris Barnard, head of the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads Policing and Firearms Operations Unit, said: “It’s clear to see Thomas’ story strikes a chord with students when he talks about his experience, the injuries he suffered and the impact it had on his family and friends.
“Thomas hadn’t been doing anything wrong when he crashed – he wasn’t speeding, he hadn’t been drinking, it was simply a case of misjudging the poor road conditions resulting in him losing control of his car.
“I’m confident #Impact will continue to live up to its name and leave students with a lasting memory of what can happen when things go wrong.”