Middlesbrough student creates artwork for Cleveland Police’s seasonal drink and drug drive campaign
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Students in Middlesbrough have supported Cleveland Police’s seasonal drink and drug drive campaign by creating artwork which could help spread the message amongst drivers.
The Northern School of Art students, based in Middlesbrough, have designed a number of posters to be used on Cleveland Police social media pages to help encourage drivers not to drink alcohol or take drugs and get behind the wheel.
One winner was picked from four shortlisted entries by road safety officers from Cleveland Police’s Matrix Team. Ava Wilson received a £50 Amazon voucher and was presented with it on Tuesday 3rd December.
The Christmas drink and drug drive campaign, which launched on Friday 1st December, sees a concentrated effort by officers to detect drink and drug drivers at the time of year when traditionally more people may be socialising. The national campaign is led by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC).
Figures nationally show that drug drivers are predominantly aged 18 to 35 years, and drink drivers predominantly 25 to 59 years.
It is also believed that drug drivers could have links to other criminality.
Sergeant Mark Kewley, from Cleveland Police’s Road Safety Team and Chair of the Cleveland Road Safety Partnership, said: “We are really grateful to all the students from The Northern School of Art who got involved in pulling together these designs for social media to help spread the message to drivers about not drinking or taking drugs and driving.
“We know that the younger age group has some of the highest numbers of drink and drug drivers nationally, and we hope that these designs will resonate with some of the younger generation and that it may make them think twice about their behaviour, and the catastrophic consequences that can come of driving whilst impaired.”
Graphic & Digital Design Course Leader at The Northern School of Art, Tom Burton, said: “Our learners on the Level 3 Graphic & Digital Design course have relished the opportunity to work with Cleveland Police for the second year running and each one of our designers worked hard to develop unique and interesting takes on the problem of drink and drug driving.
“Ava’s snappy strapline and subtle imagery will work well to engage with audiences of all ages. We would like to thank everyone at Cleveland Police for the opportunity for another fantastic live brief.”
Ava said: "I am very pleased to be selected for the campaign because it means I am creating awareness that will hopefully help people to consider their actions.
"I decided to approach the project with a more light-hearted side so more people pay attention as it is different to the typical way these campaigns communicate.
"I hope that my design will encourage people to think before they drink this Christmas. Overall, this is a great opportunity I am glad to be a part of."
Follow Cleveland Police on social media for further updates throughout the campaign.
Watch a video with Ava below: