On Thursday 17 September, we welcomed Gary and the Vision Zero team from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to meet our new intake of apprentices. Their visit formed an important part of our induction programme, helping our learners think about how to keep themselves and others safe as they begin to spend more time on the roads.
For many of our apprentices, learning to drive is either underway or just around the corner. It brings new freedom and independence, but it also brings responsibility. Vision Zero’s aim is to work towards a future with zero road deaths across Greater Manchester, and education is a vital part of that ambition.
The morning began with an engaging classroom session about the decisions young drivers face. Gary and the team spoke clearly about the dangers of speeding, drink and drug driving, and using a mobile phone behind the wheel. They encouraged our apprentices to consider how a decision that takes only a moment can have lasting consequences for drivers, passengers, families and the wider community.
In the afternoon, we travelled to Whitehill Fire Station, where the fire and rescue crew had prepared a staged road traffic collision. Our apprentices watched the crew practise cutting two dummy casualties out of the crashed vehicles. Seeing the care, skill and teamwork involved brought the morning’s discussion into sharp focus. It was a powerful reminder of the work emergency crews may have to carry out when a collision happens.
The apprentices then took part in a series of practical activities. They tried walking in a straight line while wearing goggles designed to simulate the effects of alcohol or drugs, made their best guesses about vehicle stopping distances, and tested their reaction times with the retro electronic game Bop It! There were plenty of smiles during the activities, but each one made a serious point about how our judgement and ability to react can be affected on the road.
It was wonderful to see our apprentices getting involved, asking questions and learning together. The mix of conversation, demonstration and hands-on activities made the day both informative and enjoyable for learners and staff alike. More importantly, it gave our new intake lessons they can carry with them well beyond their time at the centre.
Centre Manager Louise Pollitt said: “Keeping our apprentices safe matters to us both in and out of the centre. Many of our new starters are learning to drive, so road safety is an important part of their induction. Gary and the Vision Zero team delivered a clear, powerful message, and the visit to Whitehill Fire Station brought those lessons to life in a way our apprentices will remember. Thank you to everyone involved for such an interactive, engaging and valuable day.”
We hope the experience will help our apprentices make safer choices, whether they are learning to drive, travelling as passengers or looking out for their friends. If the lessons from this visit help prevent even one road traffic incident, they will have made a real difference.
A huge thank-you to Gary and the Vision Zero team for giving our apprentices your time and sharing such an important message. Thank you, too, to the crew and staff at Whitehill Fire Station for welcoming us and making the afternoon so memorable. We are grateful to have been part of the day and look forward to welcoming Vision Zero back next year.
Photo’s courtesy of Stuart Priestley, with much thanks.
