New interactive road safety workbook launched

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has launched a new interactive road safety workbook for students home-learning during the coronavirus pandemic.

The first module, which has been sent to schools across the Service area, focuses on the importance of essential travel and it is targeted at KS3, KS4 and KS5 classes.

By completing the course, students will have a better understanding of what essential travel means and why it is important; what could distract road users in the current climate, and the bigger consequences of an incident or injury on the roads; and the safety measures you can take when making essential journeys now, and when travelling normally again post-lockdown.

Road safety manager Christine Sharma said: “We normally work directly with schools but, while that isn’t possible, we wanted to make sure that road safety was still being taught and understood. In the current climate, the use of our roads has changed significantly. We have seen an increase of risky behaviour such as speeding and new cyclists not wearing helmets or reflective clothing. The workbook encourages students to consider the impact of this on the community and, of course our NHS, which we are all desperately trying to support and protect. We also signpost for other issues like mental health and other safeguarding issues which may be affecting families at home.”

The workbook is a free resource, and the modules are aligned with the PSHE curriculum, encompassing elements from Health & Wellbeing, Relationships and Living in the Wider World. There are exercises to complete, an assignment, and a quiz to test learning, as well as exercises to help mental health and promote interaction with family members.

Future modules will focus on drivers, pedestrians and using two-wheelers.

The workbook can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/road-safety-education and can be used by anyone. The road safety team will also be promoting the lessons via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.