DUBBO College Delroy students were presented with a confronting driver safety seminar from Fire and Rescue NSW yesterday.
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Students were presented with a first-hand account from a man who at 17 years old lost control of his car and hit a tree.
His legs had to be amputated and he injured his two passengers.
Steve Gilbert from Fire and Rescue NSW said the story resonated with students, as it was a situation that could happen to any of them.
"A little bit of speed and inattention left that person with a lifetime of drama," he said.
Firefighters then showed students the effects of not driving safely when they used equipment to free a trapped person from a car wreck.
"We're showing students just what happens in a realistic setting," Mr Gilbert said.
"We want students to understand they are responsible for their own safety, both as drivers and as passengers."
Delroy learning and support teacher Vanessa Smith, who's husband is a firefighter, said she wanted to organise a session that would make students consider the consequences of getting behind the wheel.
"I've seen the effects car accidents can have on the school community," she said.
"So I wanted to be proactive and organise something that would stay with students."
This is the first time the seminar has run, but Ms Smith said she wanted to extend the sessions to other campuses and schools within the area.
"It's very real and includes situations from real events," she said.
"I want to know we've educated students enough about these situations."