Road safety film launched as warning to Eastbourne young drivers

The project - which involves the Sussex Mindfulness Centre, Brighton & Hove City Council and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - has put together the film called Keeping Your Mind In Gear.

Research from Brake 2016 shows one in five drivers aged between 17 and 19 will be involved in a police reportable crash. It also found that the largest collision factor for this age range was failing to look properly, along with emotional and physical distractions.

Road safety officer for Brighton & Hove City Council Keith Baldock hopes mindful driving can improve driver awareness and increase driver safety.

Mr Baldock said, “The aim is to introduce mindfulness to drivers in order to give them a tool to ensure that they are able to fully engage with the road environment when they are driving.”

Key issues covered in the film are physical distractions such as mobile phones, passengers and music. Emotional factors could include remembering an argument with a partner that causes your mind to become distracted. Road awareness also features, such as approaching a junction and responding to traffic and pedestrians.

Mr Baldock said, “The film will be shown within driver awareness courses and schools and colleges to get the message across to young people to be less distracted when behind the wheel.”

Anyone wanting to view the film can watch it here: https://vimeo.com/466120176