The Worst Christmas Gift 2009

17/11/2009

Students are given emergency packs to keep in their car

Friday 13 November, saw the Haywards Heath sixth form campus transformed into the scene of a major incident for the launch of Sussex Safer Roads Partnership's (SSRP) 2009 Christmas drink-driving awareness campaign entitled the 'Worst Christmas Gift'. That's the updated message from the SSRP to highlight how dangerous it is to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs as we move into Christmas party season.

A range of emergency vehicles lined up outside reception and The Hub Theatre, including Police cars, Police motorbikes, a fire engine and an ambulance. SSRP also brought along their crashed car and crashed motorbike trailers, which emphasised the seriousness of the message in a hard-hitting way.

Despite the rain, the event was well attended, by students and staff members too! SSRP set up stalls in the reception area, where they gave away emergency car kits containing a fluorescent bib, ice scraper and foil blanket. Those who attended were also handed poignant Christmas cards, carrying the 'Worst Christmas Gift' message and other SSRP merchandise. In addition, several senior members of the emergency services were on hand to speak to students about the dangers of driving under the influence of drink or drugs and offer advice on staying safe as young drivers.

The Haywards Heath sixth form campus was chosen for the launch as research shows that younger drivers, under the age of 24 are statistically more likely to be involved in fatal car accidents than any other age range, and it is the younger, male demographic that is particularly likely to have a drink before getting behind the wheel. Superintendent Steve Barry, Head of Road Policing Unit (RPU) for Sussex Police says:

"In the last three years, drink-driving has been the cause of over 50% of fatal collisions in Sussex during the months of December and January. Incredibly, drivers aged 24 and under were involved in over a third of all injury collisions. 88% of drink drivers were male and almost 40% of killed and serious injury collisions occurred at weekends, particularly in the early hours of Sunday morning."

Speaking after the event, Neil Hopkins, Communications Manager for the SSRP expressed his thanks to all at the College, and has had very positive comments back from the Partners regarding the venue, College staff and students