New campaign to promote safe driving

Hundreds of high school students in north Powys have been equipped with essential road safety knowledge through the Your Future, Your Choice campaign, a week-long initiative aimed at fostering responsible driving and riding habits among young people.

Led by Dyfed-Powys Police in collaboration with school liaison officers, the fire service, and Powys County Council’s road safety team, the campaign focused on the shared responsibility of making safe choices on the road.

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Throughout the week, students learned about the "Fatal Five" – speeding, driving under the influence, using a mobile device, not wearing a seatbelt, and careless or dangerous driving. Officers highlighted how these behaviours contribute to the majority of road collisions and fatalities.

The campaign also featured Olivia’s Story, a poignant film recounting the tragic death of 17-year-old Olivia Alkir, who lost her life in a collision caused by two young drivers racing in 2019. The film underscored the devastating consequences of reckless driving, leaving a lasting impression on students.

Roads Policing Sergeant Rob Hamer emphasised the importance of preparing young people for the road.
“Our young people are the drivers and riders of tomorrow, and it’s vital we equip them with the knowledge and skills to stay safe,” he said. “By working together, we can help prevent collisions and save lives.”

Students responded positively to the campaign, with many expressing increased confidence in making safe decisions on the road. The initiative also encouraged discussions about peer pressure and speaking out against unsafe driving behaviours.

School Liaison Officers Lindsay Sweetman and Gayle Jones stressed the significance of personal responsibility behind the wheel. “We hope that by hearing Olivia’s story, students will leave with a greater understanding of the risks involved in driving and riding,” they said.

Powys County Council’s road safety officer, Jim Campbell, praised the campaign as a collaborative success. “Educating young drivers now can make a huge difference in reducing the number of collisions and fatalities on our roads in the future,” he said.

For more information about the campaign, visit the Dyfed-Powys Police website here.