Road Safety training for aspiring professional footballers

Aspiring footballers from Southend United Football Club have received life-saving road safety advice through Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s FireCar programme which is part of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership.

ECFRS Road Safety Team visited the club’s training ground, in Eastern Avenue, Southend, this morning (Monday, July 18).

Members of Southend United Football Club’s youth teams watched a road safety documentary in memory of Eleanor Grace McGrath, 14, who was killed by a careless driver in Thorpe Bay in March 2009.

‘Driving with Grace’ aims to spread the message of driving responsibly and how irresponsibility behind the wheel can affect so many lives.

The day also included teaching young people about the ‘fatal four’ actions that can lead to killed or seriously injured collisions.

The fatal four actions include using a handheld device while driving, not wearing a seat belt, speeding and driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Both the under-18 and under-21 teams were then given the chance to view our FireCar and a new Audi R8, brought down by our partners, Essex Audi Group.

Sub Officer Kevin Jenner, RTC Reduction, said: “The young people were visibly moved by the documentary, which shows young drivers just how much they could lose from irresponsible driving. Dangerous driving can kill, destroy lives and ruin livelihoods.

“We would like to thank Southend United Football Club for inviting us down to talk to their youth teams and our partners, Essex Audi Group, for coming along on the day.

“We plan on visiting both teams every year to discuss the importance of driving responsibly on Essex’s roads.”

The Service, which is part of the Safer Essex Roads Partnership, runs a number of initiatives designed to make the County’s roads safer.

Schemes include engaging with modified car enthusiasts and motorcyclists through the hugely successful FireCar and FireBike schemes.