Thought-provoking road safety lessons continue in East Herts

Sixth form students in Hertford have taken part in a thought-provoking road safety lesson, delivered by Hertfordshire Constabulary.

The Collision and Loss (C.A.L) presentation was designed by Abbie Brackenbury, a former PCSO with the Hertford Neighbourhood Policing Team.

It’s a topic very close to her heart after her brother, Callum, tragically passed away following a road traffic collision on the A414 in 2021, caused by another driver travelling at excess speed. Callum was just 20 years old and had an 18-month-old son.

The first talk was delivered to 16-and-17-year-olds at Simon Balle School in Hertford back in September 2023, with Abbie and colleague PCSO Joanne Leadley going on to visit every sixth form across East Herts and Broxbourne throughout the school year.

Abbie, who is now working in a new role within the constabulary, said: “I put C.A.L together as a tribute to my younger brother. The aim is to deliver a strong message to those who are about to experience the world of driving by using a real-life story – Callum’s story. Far too many calls come through to police for road traffic collisions, many of which could have easily been avoided.

“C.A.L highlights the risk you take when you choose to ignore the rules of the road. It shows the impact on victims and their families, as well as the trauma experienced first-hand by emergency service workers. It also outlines the criminal consequences people can face when things go wrong.”

The talk proved so popular that Abbie was recently asked to come back and deliver the presentation to new sixth form students at Simon Balle, alongside PCSO Cleo Gavillet.

Russell Ford, Sixth Form Manager at Simon Balle School, said: “As our students take the exciting step of learning to drive, it's vital they understand the weight of responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel. The workshop provided invaluable insights into the consequences of poor decision-making on the road, and the importance of safe driving practices. We’re grateful to Herts Police for helping our students prepare for the road ahead.”

Abbie added: “The talks have been really well received and it’s great that we’re being invited back in to talk to new year groups. I’d like to thank the schools for letting us come in and deliver the presentation, and the students for engaging with us.

“It’s not always young drivers who are involved in serious or fatal collisions on the road, as proven by Callum’s story. But delivering C.A.L into schools provides early intervention, so these young people really know the importance of staying safe on the roads when they go on to pass their tests.”

If you’re interested in the presentation being delivered to students at your school, please email Abbie Brackenbury directly to find out more.