A hard hitting, live action crash scene aimed to show the effects of dangerous driving has been played out to youngsters in Milford Haven.

The realistic simulation called ‘Get Smashed’ took place at Milford Haven Youth Centre.

It’s the fourth time the multi-agency event held in conjunction with the fire service, police and ambulance service has taken place in the town.

Over time, the message has evolved to be as realistic and graphic as possible with feedback from previous events has showing this to be the most effective way of getting through to new, or soon to be new drivers.

Statistically, young drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident with inexperienced and high speeds often a factor.

Statistics in Pembrokeshire show that over the past five years:

• 25 young people were killed or seriously injured in past 5 years

• The 16 – 24 age group account for 20% of all fatalities, 28% of all serious casualties and 28% of all slight casualties during this period

• Over a quarter of all personal injury RTCs in the last 5 years involve a young person (aged 16 – 24 years)

• Over 380 young people were injured in a car, 120 of whom were passengers • 1 in 4 collisions involve a young male driver.

Get smashed aims to buck that trend says community youth worker for Pembrokeshire County Council Nick Hudd, who organised the event alongside partner organisation Milford Youth Matters.

“We use real life scenarios based on incidents that have happened in Pembrokeshire,” he said.

“Those attending are able to relate to it better and we find it’s more effective.”

The day starts with attendees being shown a video called ‘Could you live with yourself?’ that reflects on the fatal crash in 2006 of motorcycle passenger Karen Boulcott.

In the video, her husband, Dr Mark Boulcott who was steering the bike when it was hit, describes the timeline of events before, during and after the crash.

“It’s a poignant film because a car being driven by a young driver struck them and this is our target audience,” added Nick.

“It really hits home.

“Following this, a real life scenario is played out where the emergency services attend a collision between two cars and cut out its occupants.

“It’s a sensory experience involving dramatic sights, smells and sounds and it really hits home.

“The youngsters see windows smashed, doors cut off and people stretchered away and although the victims are played by actors from Pembrokeshire College, the attendees are visibly moved.”

Cabinet member for Transportation Councillor Rob Lewis believes it’s a vital event on the calendar.

“This event hits hard and that’s the intention. We want the youngsters to see the effects that speed can have when driving.

“They see the damage it can cause and the trauma victims and their relatives suffer.

“It’s a powerful scene to take in.

“One fatality on our roads is too many and if this course can help the youngsters understand the consequence of their actions then it’s an event that is here to stay.”