HUNDREDS of school students were given a stark lesson in road safety thanks to a Rugby campaigner whose 16-year-old daughter was tragically killed when a driver mounted the pavement.
The Safe Drive Stay Alive (SDSA) event was held at the Macready Theatre before an audience of 200 Year 12 Rugby School sixth-formers.
The professional stage show, which balances educational content with real-life drama, was brought to Rugby by George Atkinson – who has campaigned for better road safety education for young people since his daughter Livia was run over in 1998 while walking to her ballet class.
The SDSA show used factual testimonies from officers in the emergency services about their experiences in dealing with the aftermath of serious road collisions, from survivors of collisions and from those who have been bereaved.
The event was described by students as ‘very moving’, ‘life-changing’ and ’emotionally challenging but necessary’.
Rugby School’s head of personal, social, health and economic education Lisa Greatwood said: “Every student came away knowing the importance of wearing a seatbelt and the dangers of reckless driving.
“It is a superb presentation and unrivalled in its ability to hit home. I hope and pray that other young people in Rugby get the opportunity to experience it as it will undoubtedly save lives.”
George Atkinson added: “Given the high number of road deaths and serious injuries in this age group, there is an increasing push by authorities, the emergency services and road safety campaigners to drive home the message of driver responsibility and the tragic consequences that can arise from the lack of experience of sharing the road safely with other drivers.
“SDSA is designed to address these issues.”
He thanked Rugby MP Mark Pawsey, County Councillor Yousef Dahmash and Cemex for their support and sponsorship.
