In Medway, more new drivers between the ages of 17 and 25 years are being killed or injured on the roads than any other group of drivers. In 2005, there were 266 casualties, including six fatalities, as as a result of accidents involving young drivers. These are unacceptable statistics.
As part of their effort to reduce this figure, Medway Coroners Court and Medway Council's Road Safety Team met in October 2006 to present a mock inquest into the death of a 16 year-old in a road traffic collision.
An audience of young people from the sixth forms of local schools and Mid Kent College attended Medway Coroner’s Court and watched as the "inquest" took place.
Entitled The Case of Martin Ostler this event was the first initiative of its kind in Kent. Based on real events, it aimed to highlight to young drivers the consequences of driving badly and the effects that it could have, not only on them but also their families and friends.
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The re-enactment involved witnesses, played by local sixth formers and Medway Council employees, being called by the coroner and sworn in (as shown in the picture on the left) before giving their account of the fateful evening. The coroner, pathologist, forensic police officer, family liaision officer and coroner's clerks all represented themselves to make the experience as real as possible. Afterwards, members of the audience said: - "I am aware now that the lives of my passengers are in my hands."
- "I don’t want to stand in this room talking about the loss of my friend or family member."
- "[This] shows that inappropriate driving is a reason, that it doesn’t have to be drink or drugs."
This initiative was repeated in 2007. If you would like to find out more, please contact the Road Safety Team using the contact details below.
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Acknowledgement
This exercise was based on a similar initiative by BexleyRoad Safety Action Group (BRAG) (www.bexley.gov.uk/service/roadsafety/brag/index.html). Thank you to the London Borough of Bexley Road Safety Team for the inspiration.
Although the re-enactment was based on a real incident, personal details were changed to protect the privacy of the people involved.
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