A shocking crash involving a car and a bicycle in a Sainsbury’s car park, was staged during national Road Safety Week, to show drivers the different dangers of driving. Shoppers witnessed the aftermath of this staged collision, in the Sainsbury’s Talbot Heath car park (Alder Road, Poole) in a renewed drive by Dorset Road Safe partners to cut collisions and casualties. Click here for the Dorset Police video news article.

At the end of a full day of road safety advice and information and the handing out of Highways Agency 'Bag It! Bin It!' campaign bags full of items and leaflets to raise awareness of the importance of drivers and pedestrians taking care and being visible, Sainsbury's Deputy Store Manager Gary Lacey, was cut from the car by firefighters and stretchered off. 

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service crews from Redhill and Westbourne fire stations, the fire service Casualty Care Instructor were joined by LV= Streetwise, Bournemouth Road Safety and Poole Road Safety, the local Dorset Police Safer Neighbourhood Team and Dorset Safety Camera Partnership in an attempt to educate shoppers and drivers in the Bournemouth area. The crash vehicle was kindly provided for the day - delivered and collected - by salvage and scrap auto recyclers Charles Trent Ltd.

Kate Huelin, Road Safety and Community Engagement Manager at DFRS said: "The demonstration involved a casualty being removed from the vehicle, with the emergency services working together as they would on a real incident. We hope that this experience encouraged people to drive with a better understanding and appreciation of what can happen in the event of a collision. It is hoped that increased awareness will make people think and be more aware of the consequences of their driving."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alison Shelton, LV= Streetwise manager said: “The consequences of a simple act which distracts a driver can be devastating and it only takes a moment for your worst nightmare to happen. This was a golden opportunity for people to come along and speak frankly and openly with the emergency service teams who deal with the aftermath. It might be yet another staged crash – but it was a stunningly visual reminder that just might be the one that makes all the difference. Many a concerned shopper stopped in shock and was relived to hear that on this occasion it was a staged event. All left knowing that next time 'it could be them' and that the essence of safe driving was being visible and paying attention at all times on and around our roads." 

Johnny Stephens, Head of Fixed Penalties for the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership, said: "This demonstration enabled people to experience the horrific nature of a collision rescue situation."

He continued "It is easy to take driving for granted with modern cars and roads but we hoped, by witnessing this rescue, drivers will think more carefully about the dangers on the road and how to avoid putting themselves and their loved ones in a life threatening situation."

Lesley Hart, Road Safety Education Officer at Borough of Poole said: “This event was staged during National Road Safety Week and is an excellent opportunity for road users to see first hand what happens when a road collision occurs. We hope to raise awareness about what can happen and what is involved at the scene.”