Learning of crash response

Students had an insight into crash rescue techniques during a road safety initiate at Newark Fire Station.

About 40 childcare students from Newark College, many who are taking driving lessons, were shown what it takes to cut a crash victim free from a wreckage.

They also tried the techniques, under supervision.

Watch commander Paul Riley said 16 to 24-year-olds were most at risk on the roads, with one in four road deaths being from that group.

Fifteen teenagers have been killed on Nottinghamshire’s roads this year.

“The death of a child has a devastating affect for families,” Mr Riley said.

“We can show these young people what we do and it will hopefully provide reassurance should they find themselves in such a situation.”

Students tested their reaction speeds and were surprised at how long it took to stop a car. They were told that survival rates increased as crash speeds reduced.

They also heard about crash injuries and medical care, and were warned about the dangers of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Mrs Isabella Fowler, of the road safety charity Brake, spoke about the loss of her son, Brodie Fraser (21) who was knocked down and killed near his home as he was walking down Tollerton Lane, Tollerton.

Mrs Fowler said: “It hopefully teaches them that my loss is more than a statistic and maybe people will stop and think about how they drive.”