Public Services Students Participate in Road Safety Event

Over 400 students engage with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue on road safety

More than 400 Public Services students at Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill campus recently took part in a road safety education event organised in collaboration with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. The two-day course, held in April, aimed to raise awareness of road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and passengers.

Live Road Traffic Collision Demonstrations

Each day of the event featured a live road traffic collision demonstration. Student volunteers acted as casualties to help illustrate the dangers and consequences of road incidents. These demonstrations were designed to reinforce key road safety messages and provide insight into the role of West Yorkshire Fire Service at the scenes of such collisions.

Focus on the Fatal Five Risks

The sessions concentrated on the “fatal five” risk factors commonly linked to serious and fatal road traffic collisions:

• Careless driving
• Drink and drug driving
• Distractions while driving
• Not paying attention
• Improper lane changes

Watch Commander Ward led the sessions, supported by Watch Commander Hames from Hunslet Red Watch. Their involvement provided students with practical knowledge and a better understanding of road safety challenges.

Engagement and Career Awareness

Vicky Balmforth, Deputy Head of Public Services at Leeds City College, highlighted the value of the event for students. She noted that it offered an opportunity to engage directly with firefighters, increase awareness of road safety issues, and explore potential careers within the fire service.

Representatives from Hunslet Fire Station Red Watch emphasised the importance of continuing to engage young people through such initiatives. They stated that events like this help reinforce crucial road safety messages and demonstrate the role of the fire service at road traffic incidents.