No one sets out to cause a crash

Bandon TY students told about importance of road safety during graphic car collision simulation scene, writes Kieran O’Mahony

OVER 300 TY students from Bandon’s four secondary schools got a stark reminder of the importance of road safety when they attended a traffic collision simulation exercise outside the town.

The event, organised by An Garda Siochána, National Ambulance Service, Bandon Fire Service and the Red Cross took place on the main N71 Bandon to Clonakilty road at Old Chapel, which was closed for a period.

‘A collision, involving two cars and a pedal cyclist resulted in serious injury and two fatalities were simulated. Several local students played the part of crash participants,’ said Bandon Community Garda Damian White.

‘On completion of the simulation, various speakers from the emergency services addressed the students using a PA system so that the students were informed of what action had been taken by the emergency personnel at each stage and why.’

Gda White said that simulation exercises like these are of great benefit to these future drivers as it demonstrated the harsh realities of what exactly is involved in a traffic collision.

‘It was highlighted that no one goes out with the intention of being involved in a collision, but due to poor habits and poor judgements, serious consequences arise and lives are lost.’

Insp David Callaghan of Bandon Garda Station also explained to the students the effects of speeding and he discussed the importance of wearing a seatbelt.

‘The consequences of using a mobile phone whilst driving as well as drink or drug driving were also discussed during the course of the demonstrations. Emphasis was also placed on the fact that all road users have a part to play in road safety, whether they are a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian.’

Gda White and Gda Frances Murphy co-ordinated the event last month and they would like to extend their sincere thanks to the National Ambulance Service and Bandon Fire Service, led by station officer John O’Connell. They also thanked Marie O’Donovan who applied the extremely realistic casualty make up and to John O’Donovan for providing and operating the PA system. Phillip Cross of Phillip Cross Motors was also thanked for providing the vehicles involved and safely removing them after the exercise.

‘The feedback from all the schools was very positive.This beneficial event was only possible with the assistance of all participants,’ added Gda White.