MORE than 100 students at Droitwich Spa High School have taken part in a half day event promoting safer driving.

The event was organised by Chris Jelfs at Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service in Droitwich and in collaboration with the Safer Roads Partnership.

Students took part in a variety of activities and watched a range of demonstrations, all designed to show the dangers of driving.

They included a road traffic collision simulation and demonstration of the emergency services at the scene of a fatal accident.

Fire officers used cutting gear to extricate a seriously injured driver and remove a passenger in the mock crash.

Students were also taken through the procedure of being tested for alcohol and drugs and what happens when these tests are failed.

A father's account of the loss of his daughter in a crash helped bring home the tragedy of road collisions to students.

Other issues of road safety including seatbelts, mobile phones and overloading were discussed.

Student response to the event was overwhelmingly positive with all those taking part saying how valuable it had been.

One student, Lucie Kirkham said: "I found the sessions very moving, emotional and eye opening."

Lydia Morris said: "It made me think about the type of driver I should be."

Mr Glynn Lodge, sixth form pastoral and academic support manager summed up the day.

He said: "The event was a great success and feedback from students was very positive.

"As a sixth form with an increasing number of young drivers, we felt it was important to raise awareness of the need for compliance with the legal requirements of driving on our roads.

"The messages conveyed were hard-hitting and, hopefully, our students are also more appreciative of the wider consequences and impact on their lives and the lives of others when common sense does not prevail."

The event was held at the school on Wednesday, November 2.