A DRAMATIC reminder of the consequences of careless and dangerous driving was given to pupils of York High School by fire and emergency crews.

A realistic reconstruction of a multi-vehicle crash was staged in the school’s playground, complete with walking wounded victims whose shocking injuries were created by students at York College.

Acting head teacher Gerry Moran said: “The purpose was two-fold – one was to educate our students on the dangers of driving irresponsibly. Secondly, it was to create a training exercise for the fire services in Acomb, Huntington and Ripon.”

Mr Moran said: “We had three crashed cars and two crashed mopeds which had had a major accident, with victims in every vehicle.”

The injured victims were played by school staff and pupils.

“I think the message came across very well,” said Mr Moran.

“We had a presentation in the school hall to begin with, which was delivered to a hushed audience.

“I think they were surprised by the amount of emergency staff needed to deal with an incident like this.”

The school said the day had highlighted the dangers of speeding, drink-driving and using drugs before getting behind the wheel.

Pupils were shown some of the techniques used by emergency services to free people from wrecked vehicles, as well as methods used to safely handle casualties.

The day also gave North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service crews a chance to use equipment on modern cars. Mr Moran thanked the pupils of York College for their efforts recreating realistic injuries with make-up.

He also thanked U-Pullit, which supplied the damaged cars.