AN ACCIDENT reconstruction, aimed at young drivers, was staged on Lord's Meadow Industrial Estate, Crediton.

The event was organised by PC Keith Bradshaw from Crediton Police Station and firefighter Mark Smith from Crediton Fire Station.

The two vehicles used in the realistic reconstruction were donated by Woods of Crediton.

The first car, which was badly damaged was placed under the back end of a trailer to look as if it had crashed into it.

A dummy was placed in the car to represent a young male driver.

In the reconstruction the second car had been unable to stop and crashed into the back of the first car.

Four "live casualties" were put into the second car.

The young people from the Crediton area were; Sophie Leech, Laura Brown, Liam Lowey and Nathan Webber.

As the police and fire crews arrived on the scene smoke bombs were placed under the bonnet of the first car to simulate an engine fire.

About 40 spectators watched as the crews arrived, assessed the situation, put out the "fire" and proceded to rescue the trapped passengers.

Their first priority was the young male driver (a dummy) in the first car, who was seriously injured and although the crews tried in vain to cut him from the wreckage, the "young man" died at the scene.

The body was covered with a blanket in the first instance and then the car was covered with a tarpaulin, which is usual when there is a fatality.

It would then be the job of the police to identify the "young man" and to notify his next of kin.

The fire crews then went on to cut the four "live casualties" from the second car using cutting gear to remove the roof of the car and lift the two young ladies clear from the car.

The front passenger, a young man was lifted clear with the aid of a spinal board and the young male driver had to wait for the door to be cut away as his foot had become trapped by the break pedal when the engine shifted back on impact.

After the reconstruction Sophie and Laura said: "It was quite scary in the car and it was very noisy, but the crews helped because they kept talking to us."

Crediton Police and Fire Crews worked together to stage the event, which was also attended by fire crews from Exeter and Topsham.

PC Keith Bradshaw explained: "The event was a win-win really, getting the message out about driving and road safety and was an ideal opportunity for Crediton's police and fire services to work together on a training exercise.

"At this time of year, with winter around the corner and darker nights drawing in, it is essential to drive in a safe and responsible manner.

"All drivers should check their vehicles regularly, particularly the brakes and tyres, as defects along with driver error are the main contributing factors to road traffic accidents."

Both Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service are keen to reduce accidents and it is hoped that events like the accident reconstruction will help to get the message across to drivers.

At the end of the reconstruction police and fire crews explained what happens when there is an accident and the importance of wearing seatbelts.

The watching crowd were invited to take a closer look at the vehicles involved in the reconstruction and were able to ask questions.

It is hoped that the impact of seeing a visual reconstruction will persuade young drivers to drive responsibly and to impress upon them that they are not invincible.

Nora Parminter