ROAD Safety Awareness Day has become quite popular at Holsworthy Community College and was held again this year on Thursday, June 29.

The event was organised by Emma Gliddon. On the day Year 9 pupils received invaluable education on the effects of drink, drugs and anti-social behaviour from the Holsworthy Neighbourhood Police Team. They spent time talking to the students about how their behaviour can impact others negatively and how alcohol and drugs can affect the body both mentally and physically.

They also tried out ‘beer goggles’ to simulate the effect of alcohol to demonstrate how perceptions change when under the influence. The pupils learned that unfortunately, when consuming alcohol these changes come on more subtly, so people may not be aware of the full impact, thinking they are more capable than they actually are.

There was also a session by the Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT). They talked about their work and how invaluable it is for those living in a rural area such as Holsworthy. They also talked about how they fundraise and how much it costs to operate each year, as DAAT is a charity they do not receive any government contributions so fundraising is essential to keep it running. A school spokesperson said: “This was really enlightening and something which many can easily take for granted.”

Students also spent time with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, who showed some graphic videos. The spokesperson said: “Shock tactics are sometimes the best way to make people sit up and take these issues seriously. Thinking this will never happen to me doesn’t always work!”

The day culminated with a demonstration by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue and PCSO Raquel Rowe. Students were talked through the procedures the emergency services follow once they receive a 999 call about a road traffic collision. The casualty, this year Kai Trivett, was eventually lifted from the vehicle, once it had been made safe and the roof had been cut off. The various steps were explained to students. The experience of being in the vehicle when this was all going on around him was a little scary for Kai.

The spokesperson added: “The message of the day is an important one and one which has been delivered by Emma for the last 11 years. The day was launched following a spate of fatal accidents affecting some ex-Holsworthy Community College students. This had a huge impact on Emma and many others at the time and unfortunately still impacts many even now.

“It is testament to Emma and those that deliver these sessions that since this educational day was established we have not lost any ex-pupils in road accidents.

“A huge thank you to the emergency services who gave up their time this year and all the previous years and a huge thank you also to Emma and her team for their professional approach and provision of yet another excellent road safety day.”

A video of part of the demonstration is available on the college’s Facebook page.