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Secondary Schools
Road Safety is thought by many as a subject only relevant to young children. However pedestrian crash statistics peak around 13 years of age. There may be a number of reasons for this, such as overconfidence, travelling further distances, peer pressure, unfamiliar surroundings etc.
It's at this stage young people are becoming more independent in travel and will soon commence learning to drive. This stage of a young person's development therefore has important implications for road safety.
A number of projects and activities are therefore promoted in secondary schools including the following.
Theatre Performances
Research has shown the value of drama as a means of communicating Road Safety messages. The restricted amount of time available also makes theatre an attractive option for secondary schools. Normally, these performances are followed by group discussion or workshop sessions and follow-up work given to class teachers.
Personal and Social Development
Probably the most suitable place in the curriculum to provide Road Safety education for secondary school pupils is in PSD. The Road Safety staff can advise on suitable material for each secondary stage. A video is also available giving ideas on how Road Safety can be included into most other areas of the curriculum.
Calendar Competition
An invitation is sent each year to secondary schools to participate in the competition. Two stages of the competition cover secondary schools – S1-3 and S4-6. Prizes and certificates are awarded.
Crash Magnets
This is a new road safety programme developed by Road Safety Scotland for Scottish schools. The brand new Crash Magnets resource comprises a DVD with five programmes covering subjects such as; driver distraction, speed, the cruise culture and drink and drug driving. It delves into the role of the accident and emergency services and the harrowing aftermath of a serious crash. Young people from across Scotland are Vox Pop subjects in each programme, expressing opinions and talking about their experiences. This encourages students to feel confident about talking out in class about their opinions and experiences.
Additional teaching materials stretching to ten lessons can be selected from the Crash Magnets tool box. These include situation cards and case studies to stimulate discussion and inform debate. Other activities, less auditory in style, involving active and creative learning involving role-play and design. Establishing penalties for driving offences and examining life in a Young Offenders Institution take forward the citizenship issues of how we influence change in society.
We recently held a training day for Crash Magnets and has a fantastic response, Over 20 schools attended.
Quizzes
Inter house or inter class quizzes can be arranged. An electronic quiz unit is available for use at these sessions along with appropriate questions based on the Highway Code for Young Road Users.
Demonstration Equipment
Items of equipment are available for practical Road Safety exercises. An electronic reaction timer can be given on loan, which provides educational and yet entertaining sessions. Goggles simulating the effects of different amounts of alcohol can provide very amusing yet salutary lessons.
Public Speaking Competition
The Scottish Accident Prevention Council organises an annual public speaking competition. Schools from all over Scotland are invited to take part and speak on various aspects of accident prevention on a nominated topic. In North Lanarkshire, all schools are invited to take part in a preliminary round to decide which school will represent the authority in the finals. North Lanarkshire have in the past won the competition.
Pre Driver Education
One of the most vulnerable road user groups is the young newly qualified driver. Insurance premiums for this age group reflect the high risk of having a crash following passing the Driving Test. Post Test training such as Pass Plus is promoted but the uptake is very low. Many 16 year olds considering starting to drive are highly motivated to discuss driving issues, and pre driver education courses are available to introduce into the school curriculum. Special training days for teachers leading these courses can be arranged. A full range of support resources is available from the Road Safety Office.
Additional Support Need Schools
Input to Additional support need schools is considered important. Many schools rightly aim to make their pupils as independent as possible, particularly in relation to travel. However the risk of being involved in a crash in some cases can be considerably high. Each group, and very often each individual child has specific needs and this has to be assessed before the appropriate training can be given. The Road Safety staff helps schools by assisting in assessment, providing resources and appropriate back-up support.
Colleges of Further Education
Consideration is being given at the present time to developing Road Safety activities in Colleges as these establishments have large numbers of teenagers which are difficult to reach outwith the formal education system. Meetings are on going with senior staff to identify potential areas of work where the students will benefit and be able to use their skills in assisting in development and promotional work. Theatre performances, computer games, displays and publicity materials and much more is being considered.
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