Road crashes simulated at schools (From Watford Observer)

Road crashes simulated at schools

2:20pm Monday 14th August 2006 in News

THE horror of a car crash was demonstrated at a hard-hitting road safety events held in South West Hertfordshire.

Road collisions were simulated at Kings Langley, Bushey Hall and Francis Combe schools as the finale to Megadrive, the annual event organised by Hertfordshire County Council's road safety unit.

The crashes were accompanied by full commentary, and culminated in two of the course's young drivers being dramatically cut from the cars.

Megadrive aims to reduce the number of young casualties on Hertfordshire's roads. Last year alone, more than 150 17 to 25 year olds were killed or seriously injured in crashes.

This year saw Hertfordshire Trading Standards, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Herts Police, St John Ambulance, The British School of Motoring, HAPAS (Hertfordshire Alcohol Problems Advisory Service) and The Driving Standards Agency all working together to make it the biggest Megadrive yet.

County Councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs said: "I cannot over-estimate how essential it is that we get through to Hertfordshire's young drivers and do everything we can to reduce the alarming number of young people being killed on our roads.

"Megadrive is not only an event which the students thoroughly enjoy, but a shining example of many organisations working together towards this worthwhile goal."

Students at the events were also invited to have a go' at the interactive stands, workshops and driving simulators in the morning's information fair.