South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
News
05 Sep 2024
A fresh start to September
As young people head back from their summer break, a ‘campus crawl’ with a difference will take place to keep road safety ‘fresh’ in students’ minds.
The latest figures for South Yorkshire show that 476 young people (aged 17-24) were injured in a road traffic crash in 2022, 140 of those were serious or fatal.
Statistically, 17 to 24-year-olds are one of the most at risk age groups on the road whether they are a pedestrian, driver, cyclist or rider.
With Freshers events taking place across our county, road safety teams will be talking to students about subjects from drink and drug driving and peer pressure to pedestrian safety and distractions.
A spokeswoman for South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership said: “September is an exciting time for students who may be returning to college after the summer break or starting out in new surroundings, meeting new friends and having new experiences.
“It’s a time to enjoy new freedoms, gain more independence and have more choice when it comes to their future. But it’s also a time when they are more at risk of being involved in a road traffic collision.
“Whether they are drivers, riders or choose to walk or use public transport, there are so many distractions and hazards around them which is why we are urging young people to keep their focus on the road and to look out for their mates.
“The last thing anyone wants is for their loved one to be involved in a road traffic collision.”
Throughout September, Barnsley Council’s road safety team will be hosting events at Honeywell Sports Centre, Barnsley College and Barnsley Sixth form.
Road Safety officers from Sheffield Council will be at Sheffield College’s city and Hillsborough campus. There will also be an engagement stall at Rotherham’s AMRC site.
As well as getting information on powered-two-wheelers, cycling and driving, students will be signposted to free on-line learning tools ranging from Highway Code revision materials to YouTube tutorials on bike and cycle maintenance.
Tracy Hendry, Road Safety Manager for Sheffield Council, said it was important for the whole family to be involved in safe decision making.
“Moving to a college or work placement is a massive life-changing event for young adults who are a high-risk group, whether on foot, two or four wheels,” she said.
“Parents, family, guardians and friends can all play a big part during such a hectic period, by pointing them towards the free help and advice we can offer on-line. There is also a parents’ guide on our website to help learner drivers.
“Let’s get all our Freshers back into education safely and all do out bit to share the roads.”
Throughout the Freshers’ period, SYSRP will run social media messaging. Subjects include:
The latest figures for South Yorkshire show that 476 young people (aged 17-24) were injured in a road traffic crash in 2022, 140 of those were serious or fatal.
Statistically, 17 to 24-year-olds are one of the most at risk age groups on the road whether they are a pedestrian, driver, cyclist or rider.
With Freshers events taking place across our county, road safety teams will be talking to students about subjects from drink and drug driving and peer pressure to pedestrian safety and distractions.
A spokeswoman for South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership said: “September is an exciting time for students who may be returning to college after the summer break or starting out in new surroundings, meeting new friends and having new experiences.
“It’s a time to enjoy new freedoms, gain more independence and have more choice when it comes to their future. But it’s also a time when they are more at risk of being involved in a road traffic collision.
“Whether they are drivers, riders or choose to walk or use public transport, there are so many distractions and hazards around them which is why we are urging young people to keep their focus on the road and to look out for their mates.
“The last thing anyone wants is for their loved one to be involved in a road traffic collision.”
Throughout September, Barnsley Council’s road safety team will be hosting events at Honeywell Sports Centre, Barnsley College and Barnsley Sixth form.
Road Safety officers from Sheffield Council will be at Sheffield College’s city and Hillsborough campus. There will also be an engagement stall at Rotherham’s AMRC site.
As well as getting information on powered-two-wheelers, cycling and driving, students will be signposted to free on-line learning tools ranging from Highway Code revision materials to YouTube tutorials on bike and cycle maintenance.
Tracy Hendry, Road Safety Manager for Sheffield Council, said it was important for the whole family to be involved in safe decision making.
“Moving to a college or work placement is a massive life-changing event for young adults who are a high-risk group, whether on foot, two or four wheels,” she said.
“Parents, family, guardians and friends can all play a big part during such a hectic period, by pointing them towards the free help and advice we can offer on-line. There is also a parents’ guide on our website to help learner drivers.
“Let’s get all our Freshers back into education safely and all do out bit to share the roads.”
Throughout the Freshers’ period, SYSRP will run social media messaging. Subjects include:
- Planning your journey home after a night out
- Making sure your friends get home safely
- The dangers of being distracted by music or your mobile phone while crossing the road
- Driving or riding under the influence of drink or drugs (think about being over the limit the morning after as well)
- The importance of wearing a seatbelt
- Travelling to the conditions of the road – don’t be pressured into driving above the speed limit
