A new competition has been launched in Swindon and Wiltshire to get young people involved in spreading awareness about pedestrian safety.
The ‘See You On The Road’ competition, organised by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) on behalf of the Wiltshire & Swindon Road Safety Partnership, aims to highlight the dangers of pedestrian distraction.
Over 100 pedestrians in the region were seriously injured last year. Many incidents were attributed to pedestrians failing to look properly before crossing roads or drivers failing to spot them in time.
The competition is open to young people who live, study, or are home-educated in Wiltshire and Swindon, and it has three age categories: Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6), Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), and Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11). Entrants are invited to create posters, social media images, animations, or short films that raise awareness of pedestrian safety issues.
Mandy Pantall, Road Safety Coordinator for DWFRS, spoke about the initiative: “The Wiltshire & Swindon Road Safety Partnership is excited to offer this opportunity for young people to showcase their creativity while promoting an important safety message. Small behavioural changes, such as paying closer attention when crossing the road, can make a significant difference in reducing accidents. We’re eager to see what messages and ideas our young community members will produce.”
The competition is set to close on 23 December, with winners announced on 31 January. Successful participants will receive a £20 Amazon voucher, while their schools will be awarded books valued at £20. A panel of judges from the Partnership will select the winning entries based on their effectiveness and creativity.
For full details on how to enter and the terms and conditions, visit the DWFRS website at www.dwfire.org.uk/wiltshire-swindon-road-safety-competition.
