Safety sessions educate young drivers on the top collision risks.

Dozens of young apprentices have been educated about the ‘fatal four’ driving risks as part of a project backed by Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen.

The educational session was delivered in partnership with Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary as part of the Project Edward initiative and saw 35 apprentices aged between 16 and 24 from Durham County Council attend as part of their induction.

Project Edward (Every Day Without a Road Death) is a year-round national campaign backed by the government, the emergency services, highways agencies, road safety organisations and British businesses.

It promotes an evidence-led, ‘safe system’ approach to road safety with the ultimately aim of building a road traffic system free from death and serious injury. The five key components of the ‘Safe System’ are: Safe Roads, Safe Vehicles, Safe Speeds, Safe Road Users and Post-Crash Response.

Between 2019 and 2023, a total of 441 road traffic collisions in County Durham involved drivers aged between 16 and 24. Thirteen of these were fatal, while 97 were serious and 331 were slight.

Of the casualties aged between 17 and 24, 74 per cent were passengers in a vehicle while 40% of those aged 16-18 were not wearing a seatbelt.

The educational session is part of a programme being delivered across the force area and covers key risk areas for young drivers. The sessions, which have been running since November 2023, are supported by data relating to the ‘Fatal Four’ causes of collisions – speeding, mobile phones, seat belts and drink/drug driving.  

Commissioner Allen, who attended the session alongside representatives from the force and Project Edward, said: “The statistics paint a worrying picture of the risks facing young and inexperienced drivers which is why it is vital we invest in effective and targeted educational work that speaks to young motorists in a language they understand.

“The majority of road collisions are preventable and if we can avert one serious injury or fatality, then we will have made a difference.

“This session, and the others that will follow, aim to reduce vulnerability on our roads with a few home truths about the consequences of excessive speed and other harmful driver behaviour.

“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy and the safety of all road users – including those in high-risk groups - will remain a priority for my second term.”

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet member for economy and partnerships at Durham County Council, said: “It’s vital that all new and inexperienced drivers are aware of driving risks and how they can reduce or avoid them to keep themselves, their passengers and other road users safe.

“The number of collisions involving drivers under the age of 24 is concerning and we must do all we can to reduce this figure. That’s why we are so pleased to offer these potentially life-saving safety sessions to our apprentices as part of their induction. Since we launched the programme last year, the sessions have been delivered to over 1,500 participants in schools, colleges, and other venues.”

During the session, apprentices signed the Project EDWARD pledge in confirming their commitment to remain responsible behind the wheel and play their part in creating a road environment that is free from death and serious injury.

Any sixth form, college or business within the Durham Constabulary force area that would like a road safety educational session delivered to their students or apprentices, can contact road.safety@durham.gov.uk to arrange.