The National Fire Chief’s Council’s Young Driver Toolkit brings together four evidence-based road safety interventions for young drivers for FRSs to use. One size doesn’t fit all, and the toolkit has been designed to reflect the different needs and structures of FRSs. It is essential, however, that the fidelity of the individual interventions is maintained to ensure that the effects are as intended. 

Devon & Somerset FRS (DSFRS) and Surrey FRS (SFRS) have both been involved in the initial research and now implementation of two of the Toolkit’s interventions, Learn2Live and DriveFit. 

This presentation will give a background to the evidence base and evaluation that underlies the interventions. It will share some of the challenges of implementing the new interventions from a practitioner’s perspective and some of the barriers they have faced including push back from schools. They will give practical examples of how they are working to roll out the interventions and ensure consistency of delivery. 

Change takes time and effort, but a standardised approach to delivery and evaluation will ensure that young people receive effective, evidence-based road safety interventions that do not rely on fear and shame. 

Annabelle Priest, Devon & Somerset FRS and National Fire Chiefs Council Young Driver Thematic Lead

Annabelle Priest works for the road safety team at Devon and Somerset Fire Rescue Service. She co-ordinates the Learn2Live partnership which consists of multiple organisations, including 999 services and local councils.

Learn2Live runs road safety education events for 16-18 year olds in Devon, Somerset and Cornwall and are an active part of Vision Zero South West.

Annabelle represents Devon and Somerset Fire Rescue Service as the NFCC Young Driver Thematic Lead, and in this capacity has created the NFCC Young Road User Education Toolkit.

Kerry Doyle, Senior Education Officer, Surrey FRS

Kerry Doyle is a Senior Education Officer with a lead for Young Driver Road Safety with Surrey Fire & Rescue Service. Kerry is passionate about delivering safety education in an evidence-based way and was recently awarded a Fleur Lombard Bursary to visit Fire and Rescue New South Wales to compare evidence-based approaches.

Kerry is currently working on Surrey’s transition from the theatre-style Safe Drive, Stay Alive to the evidence-based road safety intervention DriveFIt, part of the NFCC’s Young Driver Toolkit.