South Canterbury emergency services are changing how students experience the effects of a car crash.

Gone are the days when a fire truck came to school and pried open a wrecked car with the jaws of life. Emergency services in South Canterbury are now collaborating to show teenagers the wider impact of a car crash on the whole community.

Interactive sessions are being undertaken in South Canterbury high schools by combined emergency services. Showing young people a car that has been involved in a crash and then taking them through the processes of what happens immediately after the incident has occurred.

South Canterbury Road Safety Coordinator Lucy Mehrtens said this idea was developed locally with SADD (Students Against Dangerous Driving) students, New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), Hato Hone St John, and recovery specialists Hilton Haulage.

“Last year we made a short film called Consequences showing the journey of emergency services when there is a crash, we showed this around schools and it had a lasting impact on students,” Mehrtens said.

“Our main focus is helping young drivers understand the real-life impacts of road crashes, not just on victims but also the people who engage in rescue and recovery.

“The opportunity for Year 11 to 13 students to connect with the emergency service staff who respond to car crashes in our community is invaluable.”

Students meet volunteer and career firefighters who show them how to safely approach a crash site, if they are first on the scene, how to call for help and manage the area before emergency services arrive.

One part of the demonstration that surprises teachers and parents is the recovery and clean up aspect after a car crash, said Mehrtens.

Hilton Haulage, which in South Canterbury often recover vehicles from crash scenes working alongside New Zealand Police, are key partners in the demonstrations.

“Our teams operate 24/7 and are frequently involved in recovering vehicles after both fatal and non-fatal incidents,” says Hilton Haulage cranes operator Russell “Crusty” Day.

“It can be a tough part of the job, that’s why we work closely with Lucy and Road Safety to help raise awareness in schools.

“Ideally, none of these students’ cars will end up on one of our trucks. If they do, it means something has gone very wrong.”

After successful demonstrations at Mackenzie College, Mountainview and Geraldine high schools, demand has grown from other schools throughout the region to host the educational event.

Mehrtens says the deconstructed simulation reflects a strong growing collaboration between community partners dedicated to training the next generation of drivers how to be safe on the roads.

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