Road safety competition launched

Monday, 11 November 2024 05:55

A special road safety competition has been launched to encourage young people to raise awareness of pedestrian distraction amongst their peers.

Over 100 people were seriously injured as pedestrians on the roads in Wiltshire and Swindon last year. The main causes of these collisions were the pedestrian failing to look properly before crossing the road, and the driver failing to see the pedestrian.

‘See You On The Road’ is being run by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) on behalf of Wiltshire & Swindon Road Safety Partnership.

The competition, which closes on 23 December, is asking young people to design a poster, social media image, animation or short film that can be used by the Partnership to spread awareness of the risks of pedestrian distraction.

There are three age categories, with entries open to those who live, go to school, or are home educated in Wiltshire and Swindon and are Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6), Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) or Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11).

A panel of judges from the Partnership will select the group winners, who will be announced on 31 January. Each successful artist will receive a £20 Amazon voucher, and books to the value of £20 will be awarded to their school.

DWFRS Road Safety Coordinator Mandy Pantall said: “The Wiltshire & Swindon Road Safety Partnership are excited to bring the opportunity for young people to get creative and spread the word about staying safe as a pedestrian.

We can all help to lessen the number of pedestrian collisions, and we hope that our young road users will come up with a positive and easily achievable message. Encouraging a small change in behaviour can make a big difference to a journey outcome, so we’re looking forward to seeing the entries and finding our winners.”

For full information on how to enter, along with the terms and conditions, please visit the DWFRS website www.dwfire.org.uk/wiltshire-swindon-road-safety-competition