It can be an exciting time for our Sixth Form students as they reach their seventeenth birthday and start learning to drive, experiencing the freedom and independence that is facilitated by driving. However, alongside the amazing advantages, there are also risks that arise, especially for young drivers. We believe it is important to make our students suitably aware of the dangers of unsafe driving, to properly prepare them for when they drive independently, to keep them as safe as possible.

We were extremely grateful to West Yorkshire Police for their insightful and moving presentation, as part of the ‘One Life Lost’ campaign. The talk is aimed at young people aged 16+, to educate them on the dangers of Road Networks: as a driver, passenger in a vehicle or as a pedestrian. Drivers aged 17-24 are considered ‘vulnerable’ road users who are more likely to be involved in serious road traffic accidents. West Yorkshire Police focused on the main causes of road traffic accidents happening in the Wakefield District, labelled the ‘Fatal Four’: drink or drugs, failure to wear a seatbelt, speeding, and using a mobile device. 

The presentation was hard-hitting, delivering real life stories from experienced Road Traffic Police Officers. The key message being that ‘one life lost is too many’ – these road traffic accidents can be avoided. A big thank you to West Yorkshire Police for visiting us in school and delivering this talk, we know our students found it deeply moving and have learnt a lot. 

Mrs N Phillips

Head of PSHE