Firefighters will be cutting Barnsley students free from a mock car crash next week, in a bid to highlight the need for youngsters to drive safely.

The dramatic rescue will take place in front of more than 400 spectators at Barnsley College, where South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s ‘Drive For Life’ event takes place. The initiative aims to demonstrate the effects of driving while distracted or under the influence of drink or drugs.

One of the most at-risk group of drivers are those between the ages of 17 and 24, and this free event aims to attract young and learner drivers from across Barnsley.

Included in the session are interactive scenarios on issues such as drink driving, texting while driving, speeding and peer group pressure.  It also incorporates video presentations of shocking real life road traffic incidents and a talk from a guest speaker.

Station Manager Andy Strelczenie said:  “Some of the students may have just passed their driving test, others will be learning to drive or will be passengers in a car, so we want to get the message across that dangerous driving can have awful consequences.”

For further information please contact Corporate Communications on 0114 253 2351.