Reconstruction shows pupils the true cost of crashes

Mangled vehicles and bloodstained bodies were strewn around the playground at Glebelands School, Cranleigh, Surrey in a realistic accident reconstruction exercise for year 11 pupils. The exercise was aimed at raising awareness of the human and financial costs of road collisions.

Surrey County Council’s Road Safety Group was assisted in staging the daylong event by Surrey Police, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and St John Ambulance. The reconstruction involved real crashed vehicles and gruesome injury make-up.

Pupils were encouraged to participate at the accident scene by playing the role of a police officer, fireman or medical staff, or as a witness to the event. They also attended group sessions covering road user behaviour and drink driving.

"The reconstruction showed just how unprepared we all are to deal with a serious accident," RSO Zoe Gamblin said. "I cannot praise the emergency services enough for the way they communicated with the children and taught from their own experiences.

"Because of their active participation the children were able to work out their own ideas, not just follow what other people were telling them to do. I think the exercise reinforces what we already knew - that young people learn by doing."

Glebelands Headmaster, John Baker, said: " This is the thirteenth time we have held this event at our school as a regular part of the curriculum and an integral part of our pupils education. If we save one life as a result of this exercise then all our efforts today will have been worthwhile."

For further information contact Zoe Gamblin, 01483 517415, or visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/roadsafety