The tangled remains of Rob's car after the impact with the tree

Rob's Story hits home safety message for young drivers

The story of the tragic death of a 20 year old Staffordshire man in a car crash last year is at the centre of a new campaign to cut death among young drivers on Staffordshire's roads.

Robert's story is a new leaflet and DVD produced by Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Police.

Robert Forbes passed his driving test in January 2007. Just 86 days later, he was driving home in wet conditions and at speeds well in excess of the limit.  He lost control of his car and collided with a tree. Robert, from Hednesford, suffered massive head injuries and died six days later.

This all too common story has formed the basis of the new leaflet and accompanying DVD in which Robert's parent's, Julie and Alex, tell the harrowing effect their son's death has had on them.

They were both present at the launch which took place at Blake Valley Technology College, Hednesford, where Julie is a teacher. The first public showing was to an audience of 15 and 16 year olds.

Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Road Safety, Councillor Carol Dean said, "Road Safety Officers are fighting a constant battle to stop this needless loss of young lives on Staffordshire's roads.

"Robert's Story is one tragic illustration of this all too common occurrence. 1 in 5 newly qualified drivers will have a crash within the first 6 months of passing their test and although young drivers make up just 10% of the county's population, they account for 40% of those killed or seriously injured.

"We want to extend our sincere thanks to Robert's parents Julie and Alex. Their willingness to allow us to use Robert's Story to illustrate so graphically and emotionally the terrible consequences of a road traffic crash is a testament to their commitment to make sure that young people learn from this and that their son Robert, didn't die in vain."

 

Page Last Modified: 19/03/2008 15:51:30

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