Brockenhurst College launches Drive Safe 2016 campaign in partnership with public authorities

Brockenhurst College launched a new road safety awareness campaign on Thursday by staging an information event aimed at cutting casualties on New Forest roads.

The Drive Safe 2016 campaign focusses on safety issues related to driving or cycling on rural roads, and carries the theme ‘No excuses’.

New Forest National Park stand

Public authorities manning information stalls included New Forest Park Authority, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue, the Commoners Association and the Forestry Commission.

Official figures show the New Forest has the worst road traffic incident rates in Hampshire, with a majority of casualties in the 17-24 age range. *                              

A Level student Atilla Boyce said: “Some of the things I’ve learned today about casualties are quite shocking – it definitely helps to concentrate the mind.”

Dawn Rayment from the New Forest Park Authority said: “We came along today to talk to students about the New Forest, the animals and the roads, and to explain why animals present an extra hazard.

“It’s really important for us to attend events like this one to spread the message as much as we can,” she added.

College Principal, Di Roberts CBE, said: “We have a duty to our students to ensure they remain safe, not only on our campus, but as they travel to and from College.”

“Our Drive Safe campaign is a prime opportunity to encourage them to take all necessary steps to safeguard themselves and others.”

* Hampshire County Council 2014 (most recent stats).