A NUMBER of mock car crashes were staged by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) last week to promote safer driving on the county's roads.

The demonstrations, part of national road safety week, included a specialist team freeing a firefighter trapped in a car at Bluewater shopping centre last Thursday.

Audio commentary was played to members of the public explaining the complex operation of removing a casualty from a car following a collision.

Stuart Albon, risk reduction manager at KFRS, told News Shopper more than 1,000 people had stopped at their large display inside the shopping centre, while 200 teenage drivers had signed up for the drive for life education package aimed at encouraging safer driving amongst young people.

KFRS youth and education manager Dean Firmin added: "With more than 400km of motorway and major trunk roads in Kent and a vast network of rural roads, our fire crews are frequently called to rescue casualties trapped in vehicles after serious crashes.

"Road safety week provides an opportunity for fire and rescues services across the UK to make a coordinated effort to educate people about keeping themselves and others safe on the road."

Shocking statistics released by the Department for Transport show nationally one in five new drivers crash within six months of passing their test and one in three drivers who die on the road is under 25.

KFRS crew were on hand at key locations across Kent, including at the Dartford Crossing, where they were offering safer driving tips to lorry drivers using the bridge and tunnel.

Firefighters were also appealing to drivers to remember the serious consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as well as the dangers of using mobile phones at the wheel.

A similar car crash demonstration took place at Clackett Lane services on the M25, with other safer driving activities on offer at locations in Strood and Gillingham.