The Safer Essex Roads Partnership have run a successful Theatre in Education programme for many years. This year we will be presenting two shows in the Autumn term to year 7 and 11. These are fully funded by Safer Essex Roads Partnership. We are sending invitations to schools from June, keep your eyes peeled.

Year 7 will be delivered by The Riot Act performing ‘What went down…’. This highly engaging, multi-media theatre event promotes key road safety messages to KS3 students. Find out more it from this flyer [PDF].

Year 11/12 will be offered ‘Dead End’ performed by Collingwood Learning. This is a powerful performance focusing of young driver and passenger behaviour. For the objectives and more information, click here to access the flyer [PDF].

Objectives:

• Deliver key road safety messages around peer pressure and distractions tailored to the age group.
• Support PSHCE curriculum.
• Target priority schools based on Social Deprivation Index.
• Support Vision Zero, no road deaths in Essex.

2023 95% of participants understand how their behaviour as a driver can contribute to dangerous situations on the road. 93% of students understand the consequences of causing death by dangerous driving.

Road collisions are the leading cause of death for 17 to 25-year-olds in the UK. To tackle this, we have developed a behaviour change programme based on the latest research and psychology in pre-young driver safety. It has been developed using the award-winning “Risk Avert Model” which has been used throughout various schools in Essex, enabling young people to better understand and deal with risks.

Roadster is ideal for Year 12 and 13 students who are new drivers or regular passengers. Each video-led session includes three short exercises with built-in time for peer discussion and reflection—no extra prep needed from you.

Below is an overview of what students can expect from the sessions:

Session 1
In this first session, we introduce Roadster - explaining what students can expect and how it will benefit them, both as drivers and passengers. We also introduce the Safer Essex Roads Partnership and their Vision Zero goal, which is to have zero deaths and serious injuries on the roads of Essex by 2040. We explain that as the next generation of drivers, they have a big role to play in achieving this.

Session 2
We introduce the probationary period – which is the 24 months immediate after passing the diving test, during which a driver only needs to clock up six penalty points before going back to L plates.

We discuss the ways in which our brains develop and the surprising impact this can have on us as young drivers. The end part discusses coping strategies to manage and reduce road risk.

Session 3
The focus of this session is the Fatal Five, which is a term used to describe the most predominant causation factors for crashes involving new drivers – these are speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, getting distracted, drink/drug driving and careless driving/showing off.

In the final part we examine some coping strategies to improve self-awareness of when we’re getting into the danger zones and then take affirmative action to reduce our risk.

Session 4
After examining what a significant financial investment becoming a driver can be, we look at how young people can support each other to make good decisions out on the roads – to protect this investment, their new freedoms and ultimately their lives. The feeling of protecting a friend can be more powerful than the desire to protect our own interests.

What you’ll need:

• A screen and speakers (with subtitles available)
• Internet access to play films
• Whiteboard or flipchart
• Teacher present to guide discussion
• Pre- and post-session evaluations (QR code or MS Form)

Evaluation is essential
Please ensure students and teachers complete the forms to support continued funding of road safety education in Essex

Road Safety Ambassadors is available to all secondary schools in Essex. Teachers can select students to take part. SERP supply students with regular updates and information to share across the school. These might include messages about seasonal information, when community events are happening, Road Safety Week for example. Plus, you can create your own road safety messages, thinking about what important in you school and community. If you are interested in participating, please contact us.