Benny the dog spreads the road safety message across South Yorkshire

During the Covid-19 pandemic to help South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) to deliver its work, they’ve enlisted the help of hedgehogs, LEGO characters and ostriches. They even introduced a road safety superhero Captain DynaMo.

Now they are introducing Benny - a four-year-old Yorkshire Terrier - to give families a bit of educational fun while on their daily exercise.

Featuring themes from cycling to pedestrian crossings, Benny’s Lockdown Lookout hopes to bring a dose of ‘cute’ to anyone looking to keep their children entertained over the coming weeks.

Joanne Wehrle, manager SYSRP, said: “Due to the pandemic, we are looking at different ways to reach school-aged children but in a way that won’t put any extra pressure on parents.

“Benny’s Lockdown Lookout is really easy to follow you just print it out and take it with you when you go out on a walk.

“It encourages children to think about staying safe while at the roadside and features a variety of activities including quizzes, mix n match tests and fun facts.

“With all the challenges being faced by the NHS and our key workers, the last thing we need is an increase in collisions so it’s vital that we continue to share our preventative messaging.”

Benny’s Lockdown Lookout is available on sysrp.co.uk where you will also find a 0-16 section aimed at children and young people.

Topics include the Green Cross Code, Be Bright Be Seen and different types of crossings.

“Where possible during the pandemic, we have continued to work with schools either visiting in person or via zoom lessons,” added Joanne.

“But at the moment it’s particularly difficult for schools to accommodate additional topics. Primary and secondary-aged pupils remain one of our priority road user groups and we are continuing to develop digital resources for schools to deliver as and when appropriate.

“Benny is just one example of the work we have been doing to engage with this key audience and keep road safety in the spotlight at such a difficult time.”

Find out more about SYSRP on the website or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.