South Wales Fire and Rescue Service ‘Crashed Car’ Road Show Launch

24 March 2007

 A new joint initiative, aimed at reducing road traffic collisions involving young people, was launched at Coleg Gwent Ebbw Vale on Thursday 15th March.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Road Safety Officers from 10 local authorities in South Wales, have joined forces to bring a new initiative to students in sixth forms and colleges across the region. Fire and Rescue Officers deliver the Road Show, which is funded by the local authority Road Safety Teams using a Special Grant from the Wales Assembly Government.

The event involves groups of around 30 students who all receive an initial theory presentation at the college. This focuses on the Domino Effect and shows how one road crash can affect lots of different people in addition to the actual casualties and their families.Actual photographs taken by Fire and Rescue Officers at road collisions are used to illustrate the main causation factors of crashes involving young drivers.Practical advice is offered and the students invited to discuss the issues and ask questions.

Following this the students are taken outside and presented with the sight of a real crashed car, mounted on a trailer. This vehicle, a Vauxhall Corsa, was previously involved in an actual collision which saw its 18 year old owner lucky to escape with his life, primarily because he was wearing his seatbelt.

With this strong visual still present, the students are then talked through the dangers involved in driving such as; drink and drugs, inappropriate speed and the proper use of seatbelts. The students are also shown around a working fire engine, complete with all its rescue and cutting equipment, including the body bag.This further emphasises the drive safe message.

At the launch, Principal Road safety Officer, Penny Thorpe, said, “Young drivers aged between 17 and 25 are over represented in road collision statistics.They often think they know it all when in fact their over confidence and inexperience can lead to tragedy.The Crashed Car Roadshow shows them exactly what can happen and that it could happen to them”.

The Crashed Car Road Show should be visiting most colleges across South Wales so keep an eye out for it coming to visit yours!  For further information see  www.roadstuff.co.uk and www.capitasymonds.co.uk/roadsafety