Newhaven campaigner creates road safety video in memory of fiance (From The Argus)

Newhaven campaigner creates road safety video in memory of fiance

3:10pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in News

A woman who lost her fiancé in a motorcycle accident that almost killed her as well has created a road safety video.

Jennifer Byrne shattered her sternum, pelvis, skull and legs in a crash at the corner of Ditchling Road and Oxford Street in Brighton in February.
 

Her fiancé, Laurence Bickham from Seaford, died at the scene.

Now Miss Byrne has vowed to keep his memory alive by leading a road safety campaign.

The 20-year-old from Newhaven has created a campaign film aimed at young people who are about to start using the road.

She has become a Big Lottery-funded Fixer, a scheme which supports young people trying to make a difference in their community.

Through the Public Service Broadcasting Trust, she received creative help from media professionals to create her film.

Miss Byrne is also campaigning for a change in the law to improve road safety in the name of her fiancé.

She has set up a petition calling on the Government to make blind spot mirrors mandatory on all large vehicles.

It has already attracted more than 600 signatures.

She has also created a range of merchandise featuring Laurence’s image including T-shirts, pens, bags and notebooks.
 

She said: “Laurence had all these ideas about how to make roads safer.

“He was passionate about ensuring deaths on the road were reduced.

“After the accident, I did not want to let his memory or ideas go, and that is why I am keeping him alive today through this.

“Young drivers especially have this feeling that they are invincible on the road, but they are not.

“I just want to encourage people to be safe to stop tragic events like this."

To sign the petition visit epetitions.direct.gov.uk/peti- tions/31188.

For more details on The Laurence Law visit www.facebook.com/TheLaurenceLaw#!/TheLaurenceLaw.