Launch of new Learn2Live Events:"90 Minutes could save lives"

Hertfordshire’s road safety partnership launches its latest round of hard hitting Learn2Live events

The latest figures produced by Hertfordshire County Council show that the number of young people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Hertfordshire’s roads has fallen by 40% in the last two years.

In 2012, 111 young people aged between 17- 24 years old were killed or seriously injured in Hertfordshire. Making up over a quarter of the total 414 casualties. By the end of last year that figure had fallen to 67 out of a total of 391 casualties.

Education has been one of a number of factors that have helped prevent serious collisions and the news comes as Hertfordshire’s road safety partnership launches its latest round of hard hitting Learn2Live events.

Hertfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways Terry Douris said: “We treat every serious collision on our roads as an unnecessary tragedy and I’m pleased to see that fewer young people are being seriously hurt or killed."

“This year we’ve committed to running Learn2Live events for more young people than ever before. Through educating young drivers, the scheme is helping bring down the number of people killed on our roads. It’s not just the sixth formers who benefit. The Learn2Live messages have a knock on impact, reaching friends and family too, making the roads safer for everyone. It’s vital that we continue to run these events because one death is one too many.”

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Group Commander, Jonathan Smith presents at the events. He said: “It takes a range of factors to improve road safety, but awareness and education is really key.  Learn2Live is a 90 minute presentation that has the potential to save lives on our roads. Unfortunately I have attended several fatal incidents where young people have been killed and as the group most at risk, 17-24 year olds need to be aware of their responsibility behind the wheel of a car."

“New drivers might not have the experience to avoid being hurt when it comes to making those split second decisions that are so crucial. I don’t want to put young people off driving, we just want people to take a minute to think about the consequences of driving recklessly, making sure they and others are safe on the roads.”

Throughout September sixth formers at most Hertfordshire schools will attend the road safety events and this year more teenagers than ever, over 4500, are expected to take part.

Despite the positive figures, there is still work to be done with 17-24 year olds and in particular young men, who make up a disproportionate number of those hurt. 51 of the 67 killed or seriously injured in 2014 were male.

Inspector Phil Bloor, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit, also takes part in Learn2Live events, speaking to young people about how police respond to serious collisions. 

He said: “We work hard to spread the word about the risks and dangers associated with driving and the pitfalls that can beset a young driver. As an officer who has policed Hertfordshire’s roads for many years, I have seen first-hand the devastation that can be caused by serious collisions, not only on those who are killed or injured, but also on their families and loved ones who have to pick up the pieces afterwards."

“It is good news that the numbers of young people killed on our roads has dropped however this is no excuse for complacency. I would urge all younger drivers to stop and think before getting behind the wheel.”

Watch the trailer: Learn2Live – “90 minutes that could save lives” and for more details or to book your place on a Learn2Live event contact Ed Blackwell: 01992 556959.

Source: Hertfordshire County Council