Safe Drive, Stay Alive, Cameron Sim, St John’s School, Leatherhead

 The talk was started in a way that very few would have foreseen. Loud music, bright lights, and an atmosphere that could be likened to a disco. Eventually, the lights dimmed, the music stopped and there was an introduction from the main presenter who spoke about the purpose of the day.

At the beginning of the talk, there were various stories from members of the emergency services who worked in the local area. Their stories were broken up by video stories, which were incredibly thought-provoking and really ‘hit home’ about the potential dangers of driving, and why you should always drive safely.

Some of the key messages from the talk were the importance of never being under the influence of anything such as drugs or alcohol when driving, and that you should never get in a car with someone who you do not feel comfortable with behind the wheel. There were stories throughout the talk of when both examples had led to life ending accidents.

After this, we heard from a parent of someone who had been involved in a road accident and someone who had been in an accident themselves. The story of the mother who would eventually loose her son after a horrific accident and numerous attempts to keep him alive was probably the most eye-opening part of the talk, and it is impossible to even comprehend how she must have felt. And all this, because the driver of the car was on the phone when the accident happened, this was another key message of the talk.

Eventually, the event drew to a close with the main presenter concluding and summarising the talk at the end, with all the speakers also on stage.

This was a fantastic event, and one which is definitely a must for any new drivers. It without doubt opens your eyes to the real dangers of driving, and will certainly make myself, and hopefully every other person there, follow the simple moto that was reiterated throughout: ‘safe drive, stay alive’.