Victims of road accidents will be talking at a road safety event at the Ricoh Arena on the outskirts of Bedworth early next year.
West Midlands Fire Service in conjunction with West Midlands Police, the Ricoh and Peugeot has organised the Surviving Driving event in the Jaguar Exhibition Hall on Wednesday, January 7, and Thursday, January 8.
Stewart Fisher, who was left severely disabled after being knocked down during a night out with friends, is among the guest speakers and footage of the actual incident will be shown.
The fire service will give demonstrations of how they respond to road accidents which occur due to speed, drink and drugs to enforce road safety messages and a car which was involved in a road accident will be on display.
Paul Burnham, West Midlands Fire Service’s Station Commander for Coventry South, said schools and colleges from throughout the city would be attending Surviving Driving.
“We want young people who attend Surviving Driving to come away with an understanding of the huge responsibilities that come with being on the road and ultimately for them to be safer on the road,” he said.
“The different presentations and exhibitions at the Ricoh Arena will give them a lot of information on how to keep themselves safe and allow them to take the first steps to becoming responsible road users.”
The aftermath of road accidents will also be discussed by the West Midlands Ambulance Service, while the Highways Agency will have exhibits focusing on speed and people will be able to have a go at the theory driving test to see whether they would pass.
Chris Owen, event planner at the Ricoh Arena, said the realities of the dangers of not driving safely would become apparent during the two-day show.
“Hearing talks from people who have been involved in road accidents is certain to make young drivers aware of the consequences of speeding or driving while under the influence of drinks and drugs,” he said.
“This event is part of the vital education work that West Midlands Fire Service and their colleagues in the other emergency services carry out each year and I am sure it will make everyone who attends think of the importance of driving safely.”
Anyone interested in attending the Ricoh event should email survivingdriving@
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