Students have been given an insight into road safety matters in a bid to change their attitudes and behaviour.
A Road Safety event was held on Tuesday (17 November) at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in Glynllifon.
Over 200 students attended the day which included presentations and exhibitions from North Wales Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Gwynedd Council, Go Safe (Arrive Alive) and Bikesafe.
Organised and facilitated by the college and Sergeant Emlyn Hughes from the Western Roads Policing Unit, the purpose of the event was to highlight the risks and dangers posed to young drivers, who are one of the most vulnerable group of drivers.
Sgt Hughes said: “We hope the event has encouraged young people to exercise greater responsibility for themselves, peers and other road users whilst driving.
“By working in partnership with other agencies, we want to get across to young drivers messages such as the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt, driving too fast and using mobile phones.
“The attendance was fantastic and the students showed a great interest in some of the sessions we provided – including a demonstration by the Fire and Rescue Service.”
During the day inputs were given by Paramedic Dermot O’Leary from the Welsh Ambulance Service and Gwynedd Council’s Road Safety Manager, Colin Jones who gave a presentation on Green Road Technology which aims to improve driving standards.
Colin Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Road Safety Manager added: “Gwynedd Council, the police and other emergency services are crucial partners in delivering road safety interventions such as the one held at Coleg Glynllifon.
“It is a sad fact that the younger adult age groups are disproportionately likely to die on the roads, with the 16 – 29 age group accounting for over a third of all deaths. Road collisions account for around 30% of all deaths of 15 – 19-year-old and around 17% of all deaths of 20 – 29 year-olds.”
Welsh Ambulance Service Paramedic Dermot O’ Leary said: “I wholeheartedly endorse the efforts of all agencies that have been here today. Any opportunity in communicating with young people such as this is a plus.”
The students were also given an opportunity to see the equipment used by Paramedics in the event of a collision and talk to PC Gerallt Davies from the Collision Investigation Unit.
One of the students who thought the day was very worthwhile was 22-year-old Llion Jones. He said: “I’ve learned stuff today that you don’t learn after you’ve passed your driving test. The day has been really interesting.”
Site Director Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Eurwyn Edwards said: “This has been an extremely important event to highlight the potential dangers and risks to young drivers.
“We’ve had similar events in the past which have been on a smaller-scale and I would like to thank Rhiannon Hulse from the college who has assisted with organising the day.
He added: “The practical demonstrations of realistic events has hopefully brought home some of the realities and hopefully, many of the young people have taken this on board.”
Photograph: PC Gerallt Davies from the Collision Investigation Unit talking to some of the students.
