In this episode of the Project EDWARD Podcast: My Role in the Safe System, James Luckhurst speaks with Seán O’Connor, founder of Ireland’s Drive Aware program, a unique initiative tackling road safety through education and rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Drawing on a background in addiction, mental health, and justice, Seán discusses how Drive Aware works with offenders, particularly young drivers, to explore the causes behind dangerous and careless driving. From self-referrals to court-mandated participation, the program focuses on understanding behaviour, reflecting on consequences, and promoting long-term change. Seán also reflects on the role of enforcement versus education in road safety strategy and why punitive measures alone often fall short.

With insights into human behaviour behind the wheel, this episode offers a compelling case for compassionate intervention and evidence-based reform.

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Welcome to the Project EDWARD Podcast, where we explore data-driven actions for safe mobility.

Join the EDWARD team and our key partners as we facilitate events, symposiums, webinars, discussions, and podcast episodes. Our mission is to share evidence-led good practices that support the Safe System. Tune in to stay informed and inspired by the latest in road safety and mobility innovations.

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In this compelling episode of the Project EDWARD podcast, James Luckhurst speaks with Paul Oxborough, founder of Mental Health Motorbike, the UK’s only dedicated mental health support charity for motorcyclists and their families.

Paul shares the poignant story behind the organisation’s creation following the tragic loss of a friend, and how that moment sparked a national movement supporting bikers' mental wellbeing. The discussion explores the crucial intersection between mental health and road safety, highlighting the importance of self-assessment before riding, and how focused riding can be both therapeutic and grounding.

Paul outlines the charity’s growth, including its national network of Mental Health First Aiders and powerful partnerships with road safety organisations. With moving anecdotes and practical strategies, this episode underscores the life-saving potential of peer support, presence at biker events, and proactive mental health engagement. A must-listen for anyone interested in the human side of road safety.

Find out more from Mental Health Motorbike here

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Welcome to the Project EDWARD Podcast, where we explore data-driven actions for safe mobility.

Join the EDWARD team and our key partners as we facilitate events, symposiums, webinars, discussions, and podcast episodes. Our mission is to share evidence-led good practices that support the Safe System. Tune in to stay informed and inspired by the latest in road safety and mobility innovations.

Follow us on:

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In this episode, we’re joined by Police and Crime Commissioners Joy Allen (Durham) and Philip Seccombe (Warwickshire), two passionate leaders at the forefront of road safety reform. Together, they unpack the evolving role of PCCs in shaping both local and national road policing strategies.

From relaunching partnerships and rolling out tech like ANPR and Operation Snap, to pushing for bold policy changes like lower drink-driving limits and graduated driver licensing, they aren’t holding back. Both share hard-won insights, what they wish they’d known when they started, what needs to change, and how collaboration (across agencies and communities) is the real engine behind safer roads.

We also hear about the powerful impact of victim advocacy, the importance of holding forces accountable, and how every traffic stop could disrupt wider criminal activity. This is a must-listen for anyone invested in road safety, policy innovation, and community protection.

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Welcome to the Project EDWARD Podcast, where we explore data-driven actions for safe mobility.

Join the EDWARD team and our key partners as we facilitate events, symposiums, webinars, discussions, and podcast episodes. Our mission is to share evidence-led good practices that support the Safe System. Tune in to stay informed and inspired by the latest in road safety and mobility innovations.

Follow us on:

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram