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Parents target young in new safety drive
By JOHN ROSS - Published Date: 26 October 2010

THE parents of a teenager killed in a car crash have helped launch a guide to help prevent future tragedies among young drivers.
Graham and Diane Matheson, whose son Callum was killed in a car driven by a friend who also died, joined Northern Constabulary and the Northern Safety Camera Partnership at the launch at Inverness College.

Callum and driver Ahlee Jackson, both 17, were killed when the vehicle crashed through a wall and hit a tree on Island Bank Road in Inverness in March.

The Mathesons recently launched their own road safety campaign, Deadly Mates. Yesterday Mrs Matheson said: "We don't want other families to suffer they way Graham and I, my family and Callum's friends have.

"We hope that by running this campaign and supporting the launch of Northern Constabulary's new guide that young people will fully appreciate the responsibility of being either a driver or passenger."

Teenage crash victim’s parents back road safety
25 October 2010 13:07 GMT
Parents of a 17-year-old who died after accepting a lift from a friend who was under the influence are backing a campaign.
Teenage crash victim’s parents back road safety
[Photos :]Tragic Pair: Callum Matheson and Ahlee Jackson died in crash Pic: © STV

The parents of a teenage crash victim killed after accepting a lift from a friend who hadn't passed her test are backing a new Highland road safety campaign.
Diane and Graham Matheson's son 17-year-old Callum, died in March this year in an accident on Island Bank Road in Inverness. The driver Ahlee Jackson, 17, was killed too.
Callum’s parents are now backing a Young Drivers' Guide along with Northern Constabulary. The campaign is in a bid to help other young people make better choices before getting into a vehicle.

The force’s Young Drivers’ Guide will be given to youngsters who are preparing for life on the road in an attempt to better inform new drivers about the responsibilities which come with owning a provisional or full driving licence.
The launch at Inverness College has been backed by Diane and Graham Matheson and they recently launched their own road safety campaign Deadly Mates.
It is being supported by Inverness College UHI. Curriculum Manager for Automotive, Iain King said: “Road transport means so much to all of us and we’re very pleased to encourage positive safe use.”
The Guide educates young drivers about the consequences of drink or drug driving, speeding, lights, tyres, using mobile phones whilst driving, seatbelts, altered exhausts, tinted windows, anti-social behaviour warnings and vehicle forfeiture.
It also highlights the consequences of losing your licence and the “Road Back to L” which involves reapplying for your provisional licence and having to re-sit the theory and driving tests.

Northern Constabulary’s Road Safety Officer, Laura Fisher, said at the launch: “When young drivers are given their driving licence, whether it be provisional or full, we want them to appreciate that it is a privilege to have it.
“They have a real responsibility to make sure they drive safely and not run the risk of losing something they have worked hard to achieve or are working towards.
“Young drivers are by their very nature inexperienced and by taking on board some of the advice contained within this Guide they can help themselves become safer on the roads.
“The consequences highlighted in many areas of this Guide could hurt young drivers financially, whether that be through vehicle forfeiture or fines for car modification or anti-social driver behaviour.”
Diane and Graham Matheson’s son Callum was just 17 when he was killed on Island Bank Road, Inverness on March 28.
Speaking on behalf of both parents Callum’s mum Diane said: “Our campaign “Deadly Mates,” has a very serious message which we hope will get through to young drivers.
“We don’t want other families to suffer they way Graham and I, my family and Callum’s friends have. We hope that by running this campaign and supporting the launch of Northern Constabulary’s new Guide that young people will fully appreciate the responsibility of being either a driver or passenger.”
The Deadly Mates campaign has a website, which has further information. You can visit the site here.

parents of teenage crash victim help launch road safety campaign ; New guide focused on young drivers
By Laura Paterson - Published: 26/10/2010

The parents of an Inverness teenager killed in a car crash are helping police with a road safety guide for young drivers.
Diane and Graham Matheson hope that the leaflet campaign launched yesterday by Northern Constabulary will help save young lives.
Their 17-year-old son Callum was killed earlier this year when the car he was a passenger in crashed through a wall and hit a tree at Island Bank Road in the city.
The driver, Ahlee Jackson, 17, also died. She had been drinking and did not have a driving licence.

Mrs Matheson said: “Callum was in the car less than a minute before he was killed – he took a chance.
“If you are going to be a passenger think about the driver you are going to get in the car with. If they take a chance or speed then don’t go with them.
“As a newly-qualified driver if you take passengers you are responsible for their lives. If you love your friends take responsibility for them when driving.”
She also urged parents to think about the size of engine in cars their teenagers’ drive.
She said: “Callum was killed in a car with a two-litre engine. We know he knew that she hadn't passed her test and she was given the keys to a two-litre car.”

Northern Constabulary are planning to distribute 5,000 leaflets at Inverness College. They will also be available at Driving Ambition classes in schools and at Highland Council’s Pass Plus scheme.
The guide educates young drivers about the consequences of drink or drug-driving, speeding, lights, tyres, using mobile phones while driving, seatbelts, altered exhausts, tinted windows, antisocial behaviour warnings and vehicle forfeiture.
It outlines the penalty points for each offence and that newly-qualified drivers face having their licence removed if they clock up six penalty points within their first two years of driving.

The leaflet also has links to sites about safe driving.
Inspector John Smith, head of the force’s road policing unit, said: “Young drivers are often responsible for collisions due to inexperience or are just not aware of all the legislation that applies to them more so than it does to other drivers.
“Diane and Graeme Matheson have obviously suffered a great personal tragedy but with their support we can engage with parents and help them appreciate their role in educating young drivers.”

Police are running an information evening for parents at Highland Council HQ in Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, on November 18.
The Mathesons are also running their own road safety campaign called Deadly Mates.
The interactive website, www.deadlymates.com, aims to teach young drivers driving skills as well as provide information and links about safe driving. The Mathesons said feedback from young drivers has been excellent.