Tidworth soldiers urged to Safe Drive, Stay Alive

Some 700 army personnel will experience a hard-hitting road safety roadshow on Monday (30 June), aimed at reducing the number of accidents involving young soldiers.

Safe Drive, Stay Alive uses powerful personal testimony and dramatic video footage to make the audience aware of the tragedy and suffering caused by road traffic collisions.

The scheme is led and primarily co-ordinated by Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, and is well supported by other major partners, including Wiltshire Police, Great Western Ambulance Service, Wiltshire County Council’s road safety unit, Swindon Borough Council, Roadpeace and road safety charity Brake.

Two presentations of the roadshow will be held at Tidworth army barracks on Monday, with further dates planned for soldiers at Warminster, Bulford and Larkhill.

Ian Hopkins, Road Safety Manager at Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service, explained: “Young soldiers coming back to Britain after a tour of duty abroad are at serious risk of being involved in a road traffic collision. In Wiltshire, we have seen far too many people from the military community being injured or killed on our roads. We piloted Safe Drive, Stay Alive at Tidworth in April, which was the first time we’d run the presentation for an audience other than students, and it was very well received.”

He added: “Safe Drive, Stay Alive is successful because it’s real, it’s delivered by real people with real stories to tell and no actors are used. It’s a highly emotional experience – both for the audience and for those who courageously revisit and honestly share the most devastating aspect of their personal lives.”

Feedback from soldiers who attended the April presentation included the following comments:
“Very good presentation well put across.”
“The very best road safety lecture I have attended.”
“First class.”
“Good presentation, should be aimed at the young lads.”
“Outstanding, hard hitting, this is a must for the lads.”
“Good presentation, very brave speakers.”
“Very hard hitting, really gets the message across.”

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