By Newsdesk
Friday, January 31, 2014.
Recent road safety figures suggest that almost 200
children were injured or killed on West Midlands roads each year and, whilst
this figure is in decline, it illustrates the need to continue educating young
people about safe road use. A project created by DBS Law recently and brought
to life as a concert by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra did just this,
and thanks to its unprecedented success - is back by popular demand.
‘Clock on to Safety’, the innovative concert
from DBS Law and the CBSO got off to a tremendous start in 2013 when it first
welcomed in excess of 2000 Key Stage two pupils to see a brand new concept in
road safety education. It was an extension to a project which DBS Law were
already working on in schools but it was felt that there was a need to
reenergize the idea to appeal to a larger audience.
This resulted in a quirky concert at CBSO Centre
featuring catchy tunes in order to demonstrate safe road use in a fun and
memorable way. From next week, thousands of children will once again have the
chance to interact with some of the world’s top musicians armed with bells and
horns and donning high visibility jackets, taking to the stage - via a Zebra
Crossing and a road - for a performance featuring original songs and music.
DBS law CEO Rob Bhol said: “We are really proud
of what we’ve achieved so far. It’s great news that road casualties involving
children are down which is almost certainly down to the Council’s Smarter
Choices team that overseas road safety education in the city and organisations
like DBS Law and the CBSO who are getting safer road use messages out there -
these are most certainly bearing fruit. Ultimately, through this partnership,
we want every child to see this concert with the aim of reducing injuries and
fatalities on our roads to the only tolerable level, zero!”
Figures released by Birmingham City Council
Smarter Choices Team that show, since 2000, when there were 502 child
pedestrian casualties in road traffic collisions, the figures have been coming
down every year, but one, and in 2012, there were only 191 child pedestrian
casualties. Last year’s figures will be available in March 2014.
Stephen Maddock, Chief Executive of the CBSO
points out this project has been an unprecedented success thanks to the vision
and support of DBS Law and the creative input from members of the CBSO.
“As a charity, the support from business and
individuals is paramount to the work that we do,” he said. “DBS Law, through their very individual
support has really made a difference, and we have certainly had a lot of fun
along the way. What’s more, the projects creator, violinist Catherine Arlidge,
recently won national acclaim for her work in creating concerts and musical
experiences for young people as the 2013 recipient of the Salomon Award. It
shows that whilst these concerts support key learning and safety they are also
created to the highest of standards.”
Clock on to Safety concerts take place at CBSO Centre on Wednesday 12 - Friday
14 February for KS3 pupils only. Schools Places are limited and can be booked
through Paul Dasilva from Birmingham City Council Smarter Choices team - 0121 675 6516 / Paul.Dasilva@birmingham.gov.uk