March fireman drives home a harsh safety message - don’t text behind the wheel

Safety training at RAF Wittering - do not text and drive (Image: Archant)

A specially modified Ford Focus was brought to RAF Wittering by Cambridgeshire fire and rescue crew commander Ady Bradshaw who ran a short but sharp six minute film on the potential dangers of sending texts while driving.

Mr Bradshaw said; “The film is worthwhile and really makes you think. It brings a lump to your throat.”

The car has small video screens and, although stationary, can jolt violently to simulate a collision.

Once inside the car, viewers are subjected to a harrowing reconstruction of an accident in which four people are killed as a direct result of the driver using her mobile phone whilst driving.

March fireman Ady Bradshaw carries out safety training (Image: Archant)

Acting station commander, wing commander James Lapsley, said; “Civilian or military, I doubt if anyone who’s been shown this film has walked away unmoved.

“I’ve two children of my own, and this film really brings home the message that it is not safe to use a mobile and drive at the same time.”

Peterborough Council safety officer Jenny Wright, the RAF road safety committee and the fire service joined forces to give the training session to scores of RAF personnel who sat through the chilling film in the darkened confines of the adapted car.

The experience left a deep impression on senior aircraftman Andy Ling, 22.

He said; “It was really shocking, but it’s definitely worth seeing. My other half is pregnant and it’s completely changed my point of view.”

The demonstration was overseen by corporal Amanda Rebanks, a driver on No. 2 mechanical transport squadron.

Corporal Rebanks said; “It’s a hard hitting lesson, but the film also deals with the after effects of a crash and shows the impacts on everyone else’s lives.”