The tragic consequences of misusing nitrous oxide have been laid bare in a hard-hitting film produced by Media and Communication students at the University of Leeds in collaboration with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS).
The film is part of a drug-driving awareness campaign involving local emergency services and supported by the University’s Community Projects Programme, which launched at The Point in Harehills, Leeds. It was produced as a starting point to raise awareness and prompt discussions associated with the misuse of nitrous oxide after a report from a grassroots charity, Junior Sports Hub, reported a rise in young people inhaling the gas, commonly known as laughing gas.
A film made by students for a younger audience, has real potential to cut through in many ways that more traditional campaigns sometimes struggle with. It tells the story of two brothers whose lives change forever after being involved in a road accident following the inhalation of nitrous oxide.
West Yorkshire Police and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust also collaborated with WYFRS to create a realistic crash scene in Coal Road in North East Leeds.
Firefighter Shabs Khan who was involved in coordinating the filming said, "As first responders, it's really important for us to come together and work with the community to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of drug-driving.
“This project, working with our colleagues in the police and ambulance services and the University is helping to prevent tragic incidents from happening.”
Alison Lowe OBE, Chair of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Board and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “Our aim is to reduce all road deaths and serious injuries in the county to zero by 2040.Safe behaviour is a key part of that and tackling driving under the influence, such as using nitrous oxide, is a priority.
“This video captures some of the very real consequences and I hope that it makes anyone tempted to think again.”
To watch the film please click HERE.