SIXTH FORM: Reality of bad driving hits home

THE stark reality of dangerous driving hit home for 160 sixth formers during a dramatic presentation by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

They watched as student volunteer Scott Turner, a fireman's son, was cut out of a vehicle as fire crew explained exactly how they take a vehicle apart to rescue drivers and passengers trapped in a crash.

This followed a talk, during which students watched a series of powerful videos featuring people whose lives were changed forever as a result of serious road crashes.

It brought to life the consequences of the deadly errors known as the ‘fatal five’: not wearing a seat belt, using a mobile phone, drug and alcohol use while driving, speeding and driving carelessly – which includes not paying attention to the road, driving while tired, failing to signal, undertaking and tail-gating.

The event was part of RGS sixth form’s personal development enrichment programme, offering presentations and workshops on a wide range of topics aimed at benefiting students’ personal development.

Deputy head of sixth form, Mrs Lyons said: "We were delighted that the Ripon Fire Service team came back to RGS as part of our sixth form personal development programme's safety theme. 

"Toby Woolner, serving fire officer at Ripon station, with his supervisor Marc Davis, talked to students about the dangers they need to be aware of in their own driving and when getting in a car with others. 

"They shared stark stories by serving fire service and police officers which showed the gritty reality that can result from using a mobile phone, driving dangerously or under the influence of drink or drugs. 

"This is such a useful session for our new and upcoming drivers as it really highlights to them the dangers they need to be aware of and what the consequences might be if they don't heed their advice."