Sowerby Bridge News

CMBC Launches ‘In the Can’ Competition

‘In the Can’ is a competition that has been launched to encourage young people to play their part in reducing road casualties among their peers. ‘In the Can’ challenges young people to make a road safety film suitable for use on the internet. The competition is open to anyone under the age of 21 years, working on their own or in teams, or on behalf of their school, college or university.

There are two £1,000 first prizes and two £250 runner up prizes for the best entries. The competition runs until April 2010, when the best entries will be shortlisted. The final winners in each category will be selected via an online public vote, and the winning film(s) may be used as the basis of a national road safety campaign.

23 county councils and unitary local authorities are taking part in the campaign, including Calderdale Council.

Councillor Amanda Byrne, Portfolio Holder Regeneration and Development says: “This campaign is a great way to raise awareness about the risks and dangers facing young drivers and their passengers. Young people have the best insight into how their peers think about driving and road safety – and as a result the best way to get messages through to them. By challenging them to make their own road safety film we think we can learn how to approach young people – the messages and approaches that might work.”

The campaign website, www.inthecan.org.uk, contains full details about the competition and useful advice and information for those thinking of entering, including: tips on how to get started and on film making; road safety information relevant to young people; research into attitudes among young drivers; and the competition rules and judging procedures.