News from Renault WIRRAL
For Release: August 23, 2011
Renault Wirral and Merseyside Police have hailed a day aimed at tackling serious traffic accidents as a major success.
Officers were lent a Clio Renaultsport 200 by Renault Wirral staff to help educate motorists about the potential hazards and distractions they may face on the road.
They used the vehicle to take their passengers out on short drives and show them hidden dangers and potential distractions.
The important event was part of a Merseyside Police open day held on Sunday, August 21 at Bromborough Police Station.
Paul Mountford, a Sergeant with the Roads Policing Team was behind the initiative and thrilled with the outcome.
He said: “We were so grateful to have the Renault to use for something this important. The turnout was brilliant with a steady stream of people there in the morning and then people queuing up to go out in the car with the officers all afternoon.
“Between us we did about 140 miles throughout the afternoon sessions.”
Specially qualified officers focused on improving the hazard awareness and skills of people attending the event by taking them out for 20 minute drives on local roads.
During these drives, the officers talked about potential hazards on the roads and asked their passengers to try and spot any potential danger, before pointing out what they had noticed themselves.
The officers also educated their passengers about how loud music or tuning a car stereo can decrease concentration.
Sergeant Mountford said: “Little things like changing radio stations can make such a difference if you really think about it.
“In the two or three seconds it takes you to do that, you may have travelled several car lengths without full concentration.
“Our officers were asking people what they could see and spot as a potential hazard, things like other cars, people around, and then pointing out how many more things there were even further ahead.
“This is something we would like to do more of in future and hope to work in partnership with Renault again.”
Renault is well known for safety excellence and runs a global programme aimed at safety for young children, called Safety for All.
Mark Whitaker, General Manager of Renault Wirral said he was very pleased at the outcome and success of the event, especially as it pushed such an important message.
He said: “Renault is very focused on safety, so supporting an event like this was something we were extremely keen to do.
“So many people attended and they learnt some very important lessons from the officers driving the Clio Renaultsport 200, which we were thrilled about and very happy to be part of.”
ENDS
Ref: dpr11079
Words: 436 words
Ref: dpr11079
Words: 436 words
Pic Captions:
1.Sergeant Paul Mountford, PC David Woods and Police Cadets from L to R, Rebecca Gilmore and Laura Evans
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