Transit - Creative Challenge

Young people have their road safety videos published on the internet

Young people in Westminster had an opportunity to develop ideas for a series of ‘virtual’ road safety videos, for publication via YouTube. Ideas for the most important issues came from consultation with the London members of the UK Youth Parliament; the group then had the challenge of working out how they could devise films to grab the attention of their media-savvy peers. They have used different styles, including a series based around a common ‘hero’ – Chimp. Silly Chimp keeps making the wrong road safety choices and pays for its mistakes in spectacular ways, with the message “Don't be a silly chimp!”  The other films are a mix of the fun and the very hard-hitting.

Local partners: Westminster Youth Service Digital Media Unit, Kensington & Chelsea Road Safety, London Fire and Rescue, London Ambulance Service, UK Youth Parliament London Region.

View all five videos on YouTube and let us know what you think. Why not use the videos as discussion starters with your youth group.

Safety Factor: The idea of using mini motorbikes and the over played image of young people preparing to race allowed the group to explore the negative images associated with racing, the male ego and the dangers of showing off.    watch it

Crash: The group recognised that the use of shock images and hard hitting messages have a place to play in getting over the road safety message. This video used a mixture of real and reconstructed road crash scenes.   watch it

Mini Moto: the idea of using mini motorbikes and the over played image of young people preparing to race allowed the group to explore the negative images associated with racing, the male ego and the dangers of showing off.    watch it

Silly Monkey:This video uses humour to engage with the young audience. Inspired by the Cadburys chocolate advert depicting a gorilla playing the drums, the silly monkey learns from making good or bad decisions about his cycling.    watch it

Drink and Drive: the use of a popular driving computer game and the image of a night in with friends provided the group with an opportunity to add a reality twist at the end. Instead of going out drinking and driving this irresponsible driver stayed in!    watch it