Walsall road safety forum was formally launched in Jan 2008 to address the number of people killed and seriously injured from road collisions. The forum membership includes representatives from Fire Police H1 & H2, Walsall Road Safety team, Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Walsall Council highways. The forum has been instrumental in shaping a multi agency approach to identified problems in the Walsall borough. This work has culminated in a number of initiatives including:
The forum has also secured funding to purchase a vehicle trailer to transport a crashed vehicle around venues within Walsall highlighting the consequences of irresponsible driving. This resource is also being used in conjunction with Trading Standards and Walsall Alcohol reduction team during evening demonstrations in Walsall Town centre. Funding has also been provided to purchase advertising material.
Walsall Crash Factor:
This event was staged at Walsall College and targeted 100 students attending the public service course as well as providing an opportunity for the forum to promote its good work. Several members of Walsall council and influential partners were also invited to attend.
West Midlands Fire Service and West Midlands Police were there to explain the consequences of drink driving, speeding and the law. There was a ‘Binge and Cringe’ stand in the foyer of the College, with a selection of information for the students on the effects of alcohol. The West Midlands Fire Service brought their message to life by creating a mock accident scene at the rear of the College, where they showed how they cut an injured person out of a car.
Lisa Evans, Health & Safety Planning Coordinator at Walsall College said, “This is part of a series of events held at Walsall College to raise awareness of important issues such as road safety. The event was extremely interactive and allowed students to see first hand the negative consequences alcohol and irresponsible driving can cause”.
Councillor Garry Perry, cabinet member for safer stronger communities at Walsall Council, said, “We would like to thank the College for providing the facility for this event.
“The aim of the Crash Factor is to educate these young people on the consequences of dangerous driving – it potentially could help prevent accidents in the future and ultimately save lives,” he add.
Walsall Area Road Safety forum intend to organise similar events throughout the year.
