| Folkstone has witnessed about 112 road traffic collisions recently involving mostly young drivers |
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is stepping up its road safety campaign in Folkestone aimed at young drivers.
New statistics for the last three years reveal that there have been 112 road traffic collisions in Folkestone involving drivers aged 17-24, out of which 148 people were injured, 1 fatally and 7 seriously.
As part of the KFRS's road safety initiative 'Operation Carmageddon' aimed at reducing these figures, fire crews from Folkestone blue watch will be holding a mock car crash demonstration in the car park outside Halfords/ Subway, Park Farm Industrial Estate on August 13.
The event will show how the emergency services deal with the aftermath of a serious road traffic collision, including cutting out mock casualties from crashed vehicles, as well as live step-by-step commentary by community safety officers on all the procedures taking place.
The main messages they hope to get across on the night will be around passenger safety and the importance of wearing of seatbelts, the dangers of alcohol and/or drug impairment, the serious consequences of speeding and the vulnerability of younger drivers due to inexperience and distractions, such as mobile phones.
Station Manager Dave Brown said: "This will be hard-hitting and informative event. By holding it in a place that young people gather in their vehicles from around Folkestone at the weekends, we aim to reach as many newly qualified and inexperienced drivers as we can."
"By educating them on the sobering realities of being involved in a road traffic collision it is hoped that they will make road safety a priority. If even one life is saved by holding this event it will be worthwhile."