Hard-hitting road safety message reaches 700 pupils at Roadsafe Roadshow in Ballymena

Around 700 senior pupils at St Louis Grammar School in Ballymena took part in a powerful and emotive road safety experience this month as the Ballymena Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) attended the award-winning Roadsafe Roadshow.

The event, held on Thursday, January 15, brought together the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and a range of partner organisations to deliver a hard-hitting presentation aimed at educating young people about the realities and risks of driving.

Designed specifically with young and future drivers in mind, the Roadsafe Roadshow confronts the devastating consequences of poor decisions on the road through a mix of theatre, video and first-hand testimony.

Contributions from emergency service personnel are complemented by accounts from people who have been personally impacted by serious road traffic collisions, giving students a stark insight into the lifelong consequences that can follow a moment’s inattention.

A spokesperson for St Louis Grammar School highlighted the impact of the session on pupils, saying:

“On Thursday we had the opportunity to host the Roadsafe Roadshow in collaboration with NI Road Policing and Safety and Mid & East Antrim PCSP. It was a very informative and emotive session, educating our Year 14 students on the importance of road safety- a worthwhile experience for all involved.”

The school also paid tribute to those involved in delivering the programme, adding thanks to Cool FM for its contribution to the event.

The Roadsafe Roadshow is a long-established Northern Ireland initiative, first conceived in 2001 by Police Road Education Officers who were all experienced Road Policing Officers. The programme was developed in response to statistics showing that the 17–24 age group, particularly young males, were disproportionately over-represented in fatal road collisions.

Recognising that meaningful change required a targeted and joined-up approach, officers worked alongside multiple partner agencies to develop a programme that would resonate with young people. Since then, the initiative has been delivered to at least a quarter of a million young people across Northern Ireland and to millions worldwide, with similar models now replicated by police services internationally.

Sponsored by AXA for more than 22 years, the Roadsafe Roadshow continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission: to educate Northern Ireland’s young and future drivers on the dangers of driving and the importance of road safety.

During the presentation, students are initially welcomed into a deliberately upbeat, club-style atmosphere designed to put them at ease, with the help of the Cool FM Roadshow.

The mood then shifts dramatically as a staged scenario unfolds involving an inexperienced young driver, highlighting how quickly everyday situations can turn tragic. Organisers make no apologies for the uncompromising nature of the message, which is intended to shock, educate and, ultimately, save lives.

As well as St Louis Grammar School, the event was supported by the NI Road Safety Partnership, Mid and East Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and J&K Coaches. Thanks were also extended to teachers and schools who continue to support the initiative and recognise the importance of early road safety education.

Members of the Ballymena Neighbourhood Police Team said they welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with young people in a setting that encourages reflection and responsibility, particularly as many pupils approach an age where they will soon be learning to drive or travelling independently.

Anyone seeking further information about the Roadsafe Roadshow or wishing to speak with the local neighbourhood policing team is encouraged to make contact via Rob.Cowan@psni.police.uk.