The West Midlands Casualty Reduction Scheme joined emergency services and other agencies to help educate teenagers and young drivers about the potential dangers they face on the roads at the Surviving Driving event organised by West Midlands Fire Service in association with West Midlands Police and Peugeot.

Over two days at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry (January 7 and 8), around 1,100 young people saw a demonstration of how all three emergency services have to work together to deal with a road accident. The demonstration was followed by the moving stories of people whose lives have been devastated by road accidents.

Among them was Stewart Fisher who was left disabled after a hit-and-run accident. The young people saw police footage of the incident and had the chance to meet him and ask him questions. They also heard from a senior West Midlands Fire Service officer whose son was killed in a road accident.

Lisa Newmarsh, Casualty Reduction Scheme Support Manager, also gave an account of the devastating effect losing her 17 year old brother Anthony in a fatal road traffic collision in November 2006 had on her and her family. As well as highlighting the consequences of driving under the influence and exceeding speed limits, Lisa warned the students of the consequences of simply being new and inexperienced on the road, which unfortunately resulted in her brother losing his life.

Many of the young people who attended were visibly moved by the stories they heard, and commented that the experience had a real impact on their attitude towards driving.

In addition to the demonstration and talks from those affected, there was also a range of stands and exhibitions featuring the ambulance service, Driving Standards Agency, the BSM driving school and Peugeot.

Officers from West Midlands Police and staff from the Casualty Reduction Scheme were present to offer advice to young drivers on seatbelts, drink and drug driving, speeding and biker safety.

Visitors could try the driving theory driving test, have a go in a collision impact simulator, practice their hazard perception and driving skills on both car and motorbike simulators, try on goggles that simulate the effects of drink and drugs and talk to members of all the emergency services about their work.

Students are shown a car involved in a fatal collision.

Young people participating in West Midlands Police seatbelt sled demonstration.

Live demonstration involving all emergency services.

Air ambulance taking off during live demonstration.