True life shocker brings home road safety message

The driver explained his experiences and told how he had to live every day with the consequences of his actions at Dearne Valley College.

The harrowing story was part of a special roadshow by safety campaigners Drive for Life presented to 170 students.

Drive for Life is a partnership of local authorities police, fire and ambulance services and the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership, which aims to improve road safety among 16 to 24-year-olds in South Yorkshire.

The road show included a DVD presentation of a simulated road accident during which members of the emergency services described of what they witnessed when dealing with incidents.

Fire crews from Brampton and Mexborough fire stations were also at the Wath-based college to demonstrate how they cut victims out of a smash.

Jayne Whaling, DVC construction tutorial lecturer, said: “The real-life accounts show the roles of the emergency services when dealing with the consequences of inexperience and irresponsible actions.”

Students also got the chance to test their reactions while being subjected to the sort of distractions a driver might face.

Craig White, South Yorkshire Police Young People’s Partnership Officer (PYPPO) brought a police quad bike into the motor vehicle repair workshop to talk to the youngsters about the rules of the road for quad bikes.

For further information visit www.drive4life.org