Great Yarmouth Charter Academy's Road Safety Day: A Collaborative Success

In a remarkable collaboration, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy joined forces with Norfolk Constabulary and the Norfolk Highways team to provide pupils with an immersive experience in road safety. This initiative aimed to educate students about the importance of road safety, blind spots, and the perspective of being behind the wheel of some of the county's largest vehicles, including salt spreaders and police vehicles.

During the event, pupils had the unique opportunity to work closely with road safety officers and machine operators. They explored the day-to-day roles of these professionals and learned how to navigate roads more safely by understanding which areas are visible and which are not to other road users.

One of the highlights of the day was when Year 7 pupil, Charlie, shared his experience: "I never realised how many blind spots there are in a large vehicle. Sitting in the driver's seat of a salt spreader made me understand why it's so important to be extra careful when crossing the road."

Road safety highways police officer, Chris Leah, emphasised the importance of such educational initiatives: "It's crucial for young people to understand the challenges faced by drivers of large vehicles. This knowledge can significantly reduce accidents and improve overall road safety."

Gillie Stonestreet, a dedicated salt spreader who works on the main highways of Norfolk, shared her perspective: "Maintaining clear roads during the winter is a tough job, but knowing that these students are now more aware of our presence and the limitations we face makes it all worthwhile."

This event aligns perfectly with the PSHE curriculum's focus on safety this term. Parents can find out more about our subject information through our website or parent bulletins. By fostering a deeper understanding of road safety, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy is helping to create a safer community for everyone.