Limavady DPP help drive down road death figures

Since it's peak in 2006 when 50 per cent of those killed or seriously injured in a road traffic collision was a young adult, statistics realeased by LImavady DPP show serious accidents remain static. Inspector Stephen Haslett (Roads Policing) and Limavady District Policing Partnership (DPP) have been short-listed for the prestigious Slugger O'Toole awards sponsored by Channel 4 and Strategem for their part in achieving this dramatic turnaround. Through partnership they continue to use innovative approaches to engage, educate, and improve driver skills, and where relevant the Police use an enforcement and engineering approach.

Inspector Stephen Haslett said, "It is an honour to be nominated for such a prestigious award and for ground breaking work with 'petrol heads'. My involvement in the 'cruising scene' goes back to 2004 when a group of young motor enthusiasts were keen to talk with the Police about their interest in cars and road safety. This led to events being organised in association with other partners to build relationships, improve driver skills and promote road safety.

"In addition, a legal and road safety section was added to the dedicated motor vehicle enthusiast website (www.jon44w.com) and continues to be used to connect with their 20,000 members. Other partnerships have developed, most notably with Limavady DPP and the local College which has allowed us to engage with young people in pioneering ways. We are creative, use new media technologies and organise events to appeal to today's' young person," added Inspector Haslett.

Linda McKee, DPP Manager said, "The DPP members were deeply concerned about the impact of road traffic collisions on families and communities. This led to discussions between the DPP, the Police and local College, the widely known car modification project 'RSylv' and formation of Limavady Custom Cruisers. Three cars have since been modified and are used to develop driving skills on the track, regular events are organised, with weekly club meetings and regular open nights where speakers highlight their aspect of motor sport."