FMG 2007 - reports from around the country

26 road safety teams and safety camera partnerships across the UK - and one in Ireland - participated in the 2007 For my girlfriend young driver campaign during the course of the last week or so.

Here's a quick round up of some of the campaign activities.

In Bournemouth , Valentine cards were distributed in local pubs and to students at colleges and sixth forms across the city.

Bracknell's RSO staged a car crash reconstruction at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst (above) on 13 February to show that thoughtless driving can cost lives.

Buckinghamshire's campaign reached more educational establishments (29) than last year and the number of cards distributed was up 17% year on year.

In Cambridgeshire the campaign included local radio advertising and washroom poster advertising in pubs and clubs.

This was the first year that Cornwall participated in the campaign. The campaign poster was mailed out to pubs and sixth forms - and a press event took place at Cornwall College, Camborne.

In Essex , the campaign launch took place on 9 February at Harlow College. 255 red flowers were laid outside the college to represent the number of young drivers or passengers killed or seriously injured on Essex roads in 2006.

Hertfordshire's road safety team worked in partnership with the Fire Service and North Herts College to stage a crash reconstruction in Letchworth town centre on 16 February.

The campaign was used outside the UK for the first time by Mayo County Council in Ireland (above). Valentine cards were distributed to the local GMIT, FAS training centre and a young drivers' car club.

In Peterborough, a young couple dramatised the fatal consequences of driving at excess speed by acting out a 'speed dating' drama at Peterborough Regional College (above). The drama poignantly illustrated how young people can meet, go on a date and become road crash victims within just a few days.

Sixth formers from five secondary schools in South Gloucestershire were given a graphic demonstration of the dangers of speeding (left). They looked on as fire fighters cut a trapped casualty from the wreckage of a vehicle.

Suffolk's road safety team staged a press photo involving services that are part of the county's 'Roadsafe' partnership - to show young drivers just how many people are involved in attending a road traffic crash.

The Sussex Safety Camera Partnership (SSCP) arranged an extrication demonstration in Hastings, East Sussex on 13 February - and in West Sussex there was a display featuring a crashed vehicle in Crawley town centre on 14 February.

Finally, Thurrock's road safety team organised a crash reconstruction at Palmers College on 9 February at which red roses were distributed to students.

For further information about For my girlfriend go to: www.fmg.org.uk.

22.01.07 - Plea to young couples to 'drive safely'

20.11.06 - FMG Valentine plans unveiled