Ballyclare High pupils learn about dangers of careless driving

Local firefighters and PSNI officers visited Ballyclare High School last week to warn young people about the potential consequences of road traffic collisions.
Pupils Chris Taggart, Beth Gault, Owen Kirk and Kirsty McBarnet with NIFRS personnel at the road traffic collision demonstration. INNT 47-505-SOPupils Chris Taggart, Beth Gault, Owen Kirk and Kirsty McBarnet with NIFRS personnel at the road traffic collision demonstration. INNT 47-505-SO
Pupils Chris Taggart, Beth Gault, Owen Kirk and Kirsty McBarnet with NIFRS personnel at the road traffic collision demonstration. INNT 47-505-SO

The real-time RTC response demonstration was a stark warning to sixth form pupils about the dangers of careless driving.

More than 350 pupils looked on as NIFRS personnel took them through the procedures carried out by firefighters at crash scenes on a sadly routine basis.

NIFRS Glengormley Station Commander, Robert Monahan said: “The real-time demonstration allows pupils to see what is involved when firefighters attend a road traffic collision. As first responders to the scene, meticulous preparation and expertise ultimately saves lives as firefighters are against the clock. The wellbeing of the driver and/or passengers is of paramount importance.

Andrew McClean, Alexander Boyd and Peter Gordon with NIFRS personnel at the RTC demonstration. INNT 47-507-SOAndrew McClean, Alexander Boyd and Peter Gordon with NIFRS personnel at the RTC demonstration. INNT 47-507-SO
Andrew McClean, Alexander Boyd and Peter Gordon with NIFRS personnel at the RTC demonstration. INNT 47-507-SO

“Across Northern Ireland, one of the most prolific demographics to be victims of road traffic collisions is that of 17-25 year olds. As newly qualified drivers, there may not be the experience as other road users so the real-time demonstration shows all the graphic details following a road traffic collision. The aim is to educate and inform new road users of the consequences of dangerous driving.

“We were delighted to be given this platform by Ballyclare High School to speak directly with a demographic so often touched by fatal road traffic collisions. We hope the real-time demonstration will play a part in helping to save lives on our roads.”

Ballyclare High School principal, Dr Michelle Rainey added: “We were very pleased to host this extremely poignant and relevant road safety demonstration at Ballyclare High School and I hope our pupils understand the tragic consequences when driving without due regard.

“Many of our sixth form pupils will be either learning to drive or not long qualified, which makes this initiative even more important.”