Road Safety Week starts With ‘Major incident’ at Totton College

Students and staff were visibly shocked as members of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service worked to cut College Students free from a mangled car in the car park on Monday.  However this was not the scene of a major incident but was all part of a crash demonstration and extrication designed to show students what can happen if they drive recklessly and become involved in an accident.

The demonstration was organised as part of Road Safety Week (23 – 27th February) and involved  Fire crews from Totton and Redbridge , Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire County Council Road Safety Team and the College itself.

It demonstrated clearly how the emergency services work at the scene of an accident to make the vehicle safe and remove any occupants without causing further injury.

Over 100 students watched the demonstration, which involved ‘casualties’ trapped inside an overturned vehicle. The Fire and Rescue Service had to use hydraulic cutting equipment to remove the roof and get the driver to safety.

One of the Fire Officers on duty on the day was ex Totton College Laura White.  Laura was delighted to be back at College having graduated with a BTEC National Certificate in 2007.

Chris Collins gave a presentation to 80 students and also attended during the week with a driving simulator, gave drink and drug driving advice and moped safety advice.