‘My son’s death won’t be in vain’ - father joins Government minister to launch national competition
THE father of a Warwick teenager killed in a car accident 20 years ago has won the backing of both the Government and car giant Peugeot for a national road safety competition aimed specifically at young people.
Paul Kerr’s eldest son, Jon-Paul, was aged 17 when he died in 1992, on the last day of the May half-term while being driven by a friend who had passed his driving test just two weeks earlier.
On Tuesday, Mr Kerr travelled to Westminster to join road safety minister Stephen Hammond for the official launch of what is to be known as the Peugeot Student Road Safety Awards.
The 68-year-old said: “I refuse to let Jon-Paul’s death be in vain.
“Last year 25,000 people were killed or seriously injured on UK roads - the first annual increase since 1994. I hope and pray this initiative will help to bring this frightening figure down, particularly among the young.”
Staff at the Department for Transport are keen to hear innovative ideas and projects researched by 11 to 18-year-olds which may reach out to new and less experienced drivers.
Jon-Paul was a pupil at Warwick School and his family has already won the support of local MP Chris White who has been lobbying ministers to get behind the awards idea.
Mr Kerr said: “I want these awards to challenge young people to think outside the box, to do some research and to come up with an innovative project or campaign to promote greater safety among future road users.
“The competition is not a quick fix - I want to use it to encourage lateral thinking and be something even those who don’t win will remember.”
So far 38 local radio stations, including BBC Coventry and Warwickshire, have promised to promote the competition.
Tim Zimmerman, managing director of Peugeot UK said: “When Paul came to us looking for support we knew in an instant that we had to get involved. This is an inspirational initiative that will help to educate and potentially save lives - we are proud to sponsor this worthwhile and important venture.”
The winners can expect not only national publicity but an all-expenses paid trip to Paris and a visit via the TGV to Peugeot’s secret development site in the south of France.
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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