A COUPLE whose 17-year-old son died in a car accident have been honoured by police for their commitment to road safety campaigns.

Janet Warin MBE and her husband David, also an MBE, of Pickering, have worked with York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership 95 Alive Campaign since their son, Daniel, died on his way back from the cinema in 1995, only weeks after passing his driving test.

The couple were presented with certificates of appreciation by North Yorkshire Police Chief Superintendent Lisa Winward at a ceremony at police headquarters in Newby Wiske.

David said that they were both extremely honoured to have been presented with the certificates.

He said: “We are both absolutely delighted by their generosity and the presentation was a wonderful experience. We are so grateful that they have recognised what we have been doing. We have worked with a lot of officers on the Drive Alive days in schools and they were the ones who recommended us for the award.”

Janet and David have campaigned tirelessly since the death of their son to educate young drivers and influence their behaviour on the roads.

Together, they have spoken to more than 30,000 Year 11 students about the devastating impacts poor driving decisions can have.

Chief Supt Winward said: “Janet and David’s work with young people is invaluable and their incredible bravery in talking about Daniel’s death is very humbling.

“We have nothing but respect and admiration for their dignity, compassion and dedication in helping the campaign to reduce deaths on our roads. Preventing road deaths is a major priority for North Yorkshire Police and influencing drivers’ behaviour is hugely important.”

Also honoured were Special Cons-table Edward Rushby, PC Richard Ellis and PC Nigel Klavins, who rescued an 18-year-old woman from the River Ouse in York in April. PC Klavins also received a second commendation for helping rescue another woman from the Ouse in June.

Former soldier PCSO Chris Simpson was recognised for his work with the Soldier On Project, which helps ex-service personnel transition back into civilian life.

PC Phil Coles, who is based in Scarborough, was commended after trying to save the life of a man who had hung himself in Scarborough.

PC Coles helped by performing chest compressions, to allow the paramedic to prepare other life-saving aids. PC Coles carried out chest compressions for about 30 minutes.

Sadly, the man did not survive.