Western Cars Toyota are throwing their support behind the British Red Cross and Toyota (GB) 'Don't be a Bystander' road safety campaign aimed at delivering life saving first aid skills and awareness to children and young people across Northern Ireland.

In Northern Ireland last year eight young people under the age of 16 were killed on our roads and a further 128 were seriously injured as a result of road traffic accidents.

The British Red Cross and Toyota road safety campaign is targeting 9 to 13 year olds to help reduce road deaths within this vulnerable age group.

Throughout the summer, local Red Cross staff and volunteers have been visiting parks, fun days and festivals throughout Northern Ireland, giving young people and their parents the opportunity to learn basic life saving skills.

There are five simple steps to roadside first aid:

1. Stop! You can help

2. Stay safe and keep calm

3. Keep the casualty breathing

4. Stop bleeding

5. Call 999

Red Cross Youth and Schools Manager in Northern Ireland, Andrew McCoy said;

"Our message for young people is 'Don't be a Bystander. Be someone. Learn first aid.'

In many cases lives can be saved if first aid is given at the scene of an accident before the emergency services arrive.

First aid is so easy to learn and we would encourage as many young people as possible to take this opportunity to gain some basic skills and learn more about road safety."

James Humphries, Northern Ireland Manager for Toyota (GB) PLC, added;

"We are pleased to continue to support the British Red Cross campaign to provide first aid training to young people in helping reduce injuries and save lives.

As a major motor manufacturer, Toyota bears particular responsibility towards road safety.

Toyota is committed to minimising accidents and injuries and we are constantly seeking to improve the safety features on our vehicles.

The British Red Cross campaign complements that effort by recognising the importance of basic first aid skills should an accident occur."

By the end of this summer the 'Don't be a Bystander' campaign will have trained over 250,000 young people throughout the UK in first aid skills.

To celebrate this, Toyota has designed a special, one-off version of its Aygo car.

The 'Aygo Safely' car, designed in the style of a distinctive green first aid box, is visiting Northern Ireland this week to help raise awareness of the campaign.

RED CROSS TOYOTACAMPAIGN 2

Throughout the summer, local Red Cross staff and volunteers have been visiting parks, fun days and festivals throughout Northern Ireland, giving young people and their parents the opportunity to learn basic life saving skills.