Mock collision is no joke

News story published: 21 July 2010

The consequences of irresponsible driving will be demonstrated in a hard-hitting road safety event in Great Yarmouth on Sunday, 25 July.

Officers from Acle Road Policing and the South Yarmouth Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have teamed up with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and a host of other partner agencies to hold a casualty reduction event on the seafront.

Police and partners are hoping the hard-hitting tactics used in the event, aimed at young drivers, will show the importance of road safety.

Fire crews will demonstrate what happens in the aftermath of a road traffic incident with a mock collision in which some volunteers can take part to see, feel and hear the experience of being cut out of a vehicle.

Young car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to watch an interactive crash DVD and learn how to drive safely.

Officers will also explore the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, speeding, driving while using a mobile phone and driving without a seatbelt.

St John Ambulance will also take part in the event and each organisation will have a stall displaying road safety information.

The Cruiser Challenge is being held at the Sealife Gardens, next to the Sealife Centre, on Marine Parade, between 6pm and 10pm and follows a series of high profile enforcement evenings – focusing on boy racers known locally as ‘Jetty Boys’ – encouraging safe driving and ensuring vehicles are legally modified.

Sgt Adrian Hales, from Acle Road Policing, said: “While this event is delivering a serious safety message the tactics used are both interesting and educational which will appeal to a range of drivers but especially young drivers.

“We aim to teach young drivers the importance of road safety and I would encourage members of the public to attend this event, especially those interested in modified vehicles.”

Jonathan Wilby, Yarmouth Fire Station Manager, said: "This will be a fun and interactive event which we want to encourage all members of the public to attend, especially those aged between 17 and 25.

"As well as being fun the event will demonstrate a serious message about the importance of responsible driving. People attending will be able to talk to fire fighters and police about how to keep safe on the roads.

"We will also be looking for people, ideally from the 17 to 25 age group, to volunteer to be cut out a car in the mock collision demonstration. Almost half of the people killed of seriously injured on Norfolk’s roads are from that age group and it is essential we educate young people about road safety to reduce that figure.”

For road safety advice visit www.think.norfolk.gov.uk.