The Police Service of Northern Ireland held its Roadsafe Roadshow at Shimna Integrated College in Newcastle on Tuesday 10 March. Pupils from Shimna Integrated College, Kilkeel High School and St Louis Grammar School attended.

Speakers included a police officer, a paramedic, a fire officer, a man jailed after a fatal road traffic collision and a woman paralysed in a crash. They shared accounts of serious collisions. The event featured music, video clips and road safety advertisements.

District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down Superintendent Lynne Corbett stated that the local Neighbourhood Team identified anti-social and careless driving issues affecting the community and risking young people. She noted 17 people died on Northern Ireland roads this year.

Superintendent Corbett said the roadshow educates new drivers on their responsibilities and highlights risks of careless driving.

NIFRS Station Commander Mary-Kate McKevitt said firefighters witness collision impacts on victims, families and communities. She stressed the roadshow encourages young people to make safer choices.

John Amos from NIAS said ambulance crews often attend collisions caused by the Fatal Five, with recent incidents involving young drivers and fatalities. He urged drivers to slow down, avoid distractions and never drive under the influence of drink or drugs.

Superintendent Corbett added that young drivers must consider driving as a privilege with responsibility for their safety and others.