STUDENTS at local schools are being introduced to road safety workshops as part of a campaign.

Today (Tuesday September 27) and on Thursday (September 29) year 11 students from Worcestershire are participating for the first time in an interactive road safety scheme.

The scheme, entitled 'Dying 2 Drive' has been run by the Hereford Fire Service for several years, and Worcester Fire Station are now following in their footsteps.

Chief fire officer Nathan Travis said: “Having recently attended one of the latest Dying 2 Drive sessions at Leominster Police Station last week, it is great to see such a dynamic and interactive scheme now being rolled out in Worcestershire as well, especially one that works closely with these soon-to-be young drivers and passengers, to give them the right skills and knowledge to help prevent them becoming victims of potential future road traffic collisions.”

The initiative aims to reduce the risks of death and serious injury amongst young road users throughout the county as they start to travel independently in cars or on motorbikes with other young adults.

Each session commences with a hard hitting crash reconstruction, with the three emergency services working together to save lives, as they would in a real life situation. Students then witness the tragic aftermath of such a crash and the devastating ripple effect it can have on friends and families.

The reconstructions are closely followed by powerful, interactive workshops which are run by Hereford & Worcester Fire Service (HWFRS), West Mercia Police, Safer Roads Partnership, St John Ambulance and DHL.

During these workshops, the consequences of risky behaviour behind the wheel are explored and, amongst other risk mitigating activities, students are shown how to perform life-saving CPR.

The sessions conclude with a moving real-life story from a father who lost his 23 year old daughter in a road traffic collision.

For more information on Dying 2 Drive, visit http://www.hwfire.org.uk/safety-and-advice/road-safety/dying-2-drive/