Hundreds of London residents watched firemen cutting a car in half in a display to show how emergency services deal with the aftermath of traffic collisions.
On 6 July, the local fire, police and ambulance services demonstrated how they react to a serious road traffic incident, in a reconstruction organised by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
Tthe event was designed to highlight the risks of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, in support of the THINK! drink drive awareness campaign,.
Is this technique ever evaluated beyond the normal ‘x amount of people watched’ or ‘x amount of journos turned up’? I suppose it’s (probably) better than nothing but it has become something of a cliché. Surely there is enough talent and spark left in road safety circles to be more imaginative and effective than this in reducing casualties?
Imira, Peterborough
0
Although I understand Hugh’s comment, I think he’s missing the point, this time.
Throughout the year many campaigns solely highlight one particular aspect of road safety.
For example, Bikeability focuses on safe cycling. Just because it doesn’t focus on every aspect of road safety it doesn’t mean it is not a worth while campaign.
Just like this demonstration.
One may agree or disagree that the reconstruction ‘highlights the risks of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol’ – but it was designed to do just that.
I am sure H&F work hard throughout the rest of the year to highlight the dangers of being reckless or careless behind the wheel when not over the limit on drink or drugs.
Mike, from award winning http://dontbethatsomeone.co.uk (London)
0
You don’t have to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol to end up having to be cut out of a crashed car. Hopefully, spectators won’t be naive enough to think that if they stay of the drugs and alcohol this won’t happen. Wouldn’t it have been better to broaden the message and say something like “This is what could happen if you’re reckless or careless behind the wheel” or something along those lines? Covers everything then.
Hugh Jones, Cheshire
0