Donald Geddes - Road Safety
Eight years ago Donald Geddes' life changed forever. The then 17-year-old, was involved in a single vehicle, high speed crash, which was his own fault and left him with serious head injuries and brain damage. This resulted in him being diagnosed with a form of diabetes for which he now has to consume five different drugs every day, take a daily hormone injection and a monthly jab which is administered by a local nurse. He has been left blinded in his right eye and although he has undergone surgery to help correct a vision defect in his left eye, his vision remains blurred.
Donald took the courageous step of presenting his story, through presentations and the production of a DVD, to young drivers (17-25 years) in an attempt to prevent similar tragedies and highlight the responsibilities of holding a driving licence and driving.
Donald has worked tirelessly with no financial reward. He has opened his heart about the most costly mistake of his life and the effect it has had on himself and his family. He has devoted a vast amount of his own time to travelling throughout the country helping Police and other road safety organisations to promote safer roads and good driver behaviour through the use of his DVD "Just Another Day".
It was the first time the Force had been approached by a young driver, who only a year after his crash and with many consequent health problems, was willing to commit to an ongoing road safety campaign. This initiative aims to highlight the challenges young drivers face through a combination of over confidence and a lack of experience. It also brings home to young drivers the potential consequences and effects on their lives of such a preventable crash. Through his work Donald has provided young drivers with a real life perspective on living with disability as a direct result of his high speed crash.
Northern Constabulary and Donald Geddes produced a DVD in 2002 highlighting Donald’s story called ‘Just Another Day’ and this has recently been updated to show how Donald’s life has moved on since that day and how he is still affected by the crash. The campaign remains ongoing and is a key element of a long term strategy with the recent update highlighting the continued commitment and the success of this DVD.
Achievement
Red Cross Humanitarian Citizen Awards
Donald was recently short listed for the above award, he was one of a group of 10 young people from across Scotland who were invited to attend the awards ceremony which was held at the houses of parliament.
Hosted by Konnie Huq and Simon Hughes MP, the awards celebrated the valuable contribution young people make to the lives of others.