Students empowered through road safety education

30 July 2025 – Students from South Dartmoor Community College gained life-saving knowledge and practical skills this month during a special Road Safety Intervention Day delivered by Ashburton Neighbourhood Police Team and key partner agencies.

The initiative, now in its second year, is designed to engage new and inexperienced drivers with hands-on learning and expert-led discussions. It featured support from Devon & Cornwall Police, Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Force Road Safety Operations Team, Devon Air Ambulance, and SPACE youth services.

Year 12 students participated in a series of interactive workshops, learning what to do if they are first on the scene of a crash, how to perform a throw line water rescue, and how to spot speed using police detection equipment.

The session also addressed the ‘Fatal Five’ causes of serious injury and death on the roads:

• Speeding

• Not wearing a seatbelt

• Mobile phone use while driving

• Driving under the influence

• Driving while medically unfit

Students were invited to try “beer goggles” – simulation headsets that mimic the effects of alcohol – to highlight the dangers of impaired decision-making.

A realistic road traffic collision scenario helped students understand the real-world consequences of risky behaviour and gave them a chance to ask questions of emergency service professionals.

Police Sergeant Ryan Cook said:

“It’s about preparing young people to make safe choices – even if they’re not behind the wheel yet.”

A spokesperson from South Dartmoor Community College added:

“We’re extremely grateful to all involved. It’s one of the most important educational events we’ve delivered this year.”

To learn more about the Fatal Five, visit: www.devon-cornwall.police.uk

Follow Ashburton and Chudleigh Police on Facebook for future updates.