Live emergency service demonstrations help keep young drivers safe

College students in Liskeard recently learnt about what would happen if they were involved in a collision and what emergency services would do to help them.

The police teamed up with fire and tri-service officers to run live demonstrations to over 35 students, aged 17-18, showing them the life-saving processes that take place at a collision.

They had the opportunity to watch doors being removed from a vehicle, how officers would get people out safely and the vital checks completed to make sure there is no further danger.

PCSO Bex Steed, who organised the event, said: “Quite a few young people within this age range are either learning to drive or are newly qualified. It’s so important for us to reach out whilst they’re still in the early stages of driving.

“Our aim is to encourage them to make safe decisions now and in the future, whilst highlighting the consequences of dangerous choices.

“Driving can bring an amazing sense of independence. We just want to make sure that young people enjoy this new chapter of their lives safely to protect themselves and those around them.”

Students also listened to a session about the fatal five, which are the five most common causes for collisions. This includes inappropriate or excessive speed, not wearing a seatbelt, driver distraction (including using a mobile phone), driving under the influence of drink or drugs and not being physically or medically fit to drive.

In addition to road safety inputs, students also learnt the basics about first aid, specifically around the importance of CPR and how to do it.

Representatives from the fire service said: "The session was really beneficial to make students aware of the fatal five so we can help to reduce the number of collisions that happen on our roads, including those involving young people. It was also an opportunity for us to show the work we do to keep people who have been involved in collisions, safe."

Thank you to all the emergency services involved in the session, which was hosted at the Liskeard Community Fire Station.

Further sessions will be planned for 2025.