Speed date goes tragically wrong

A young couple last week dramatised the fatal consequences of driving at excess speed by acting out a 'speed dating' scenario at Peterborough Regional College.  

The drama, featuring local students 'Matt' and 'Gerri' (above), poignantly illustrated how young people can meet, go on a date and become road crash victims within just a few days.

The speed date drama was part of Peterborough City Council's 2007 'For my girlfriend' young driver campaign. Throughout the week heart-shaped flyers around the college invited students to attend a 'speed dating' event at which females quizzed males about their driving habits and other issues.

Students were then encouraged to attend an outdoor crash reconstruction at the end of the week, when a fire and rescue team and paramedics tried to release the young couple from the wreckage (above).

While Matt survived, tragically the emergency services were unable to save Gerri, who was taken away in a body bag at the end of the reconstruction.

For more information about the speed date initiative contact Clair George, clair.george@peterborough.gov.uk .

For more information about the For my girlfriend campaign go to: www.fmg.org.uk

Footnote: we will carry a full round up of For my girlfriend campaign activity around the country in next week's newsfeed.

22.01.07 - Plea to young couples to 'drive safely'

09.10.06 - 'Drive her crazy' scoops award