Two Derby Evening Telegraph journalists have been recognised for their part in the paper’s Think First road safety campaign.

Reporter Ursula Hudson and deputy chief sub-editor Pete Pheasant have been awarded police commendations.

In March the Evening Telegraph launched Think First in a bid to cut road accidents by educating drivers and making them think before they get behind the wheel.

Throughtout the campaign the paper has been highlighting the human cost of reckless driving through the eyes of those most deeply affected in a series of interviews and features, and has also been publishing advice from police.

Almost 700 people have also signed pledges promising to use the roads more carefully.

The journalists, along with police officers involved in the campaign (pictured), received their commendations at the Evening Telegraph’s offices from Chief Superintendent Tony Bateman, divisional commander of the operations division at Derbyshire police.

He said: “This series of articles has assisted in bringing road safety to the attention of the public in a very high profile way.

“I came to commend all those involved on the hard work to bring this about.

“I hope our relationship continues in the way that it started and we continue to work together to reduce casualties on the roads.”

Evening Telegraph editor Mike Norton said: “It’s extremely rare for police commendations to be given to journalists and we are naturally proud that our work has been recognised in this way.

“We could not have done it without the support of the police and the backing of our readers – hundreds of whom have put their commitment to road safety in writing.

“We are also grateful to the grieving relatives of road victims who have had the courage to tell their stories.

“If, at some stage in the future, this campaign makes one driver think more carefully and avoid an accident, it will have been worthwhile.”

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]