THE realities of what happens in a road traffic collision were shown to people in Shaftesbury during a two-day safety awareness event following concerns about antisocial driving and speeding on the town's streets.

More than 60 young drivers and their passengers were offered a ride in a police car with an advanced police driver, met a real car crash victim and saw her mangled car, and got advice from Hine Motors on what to look for when buying a used car.

There was also a mechanic on hand for maintenance advice, and a barbecue, courtesy of Tesco.

On the second day, 100 people watched a mock traffic accident on Longmead car park where four volunteers became victims of a collision.

Police, firefighters and paramedics then attended the scene and demonstrated how they deal with such an incident.

PC Fiona Gaffney said: "Local roads, especially the triangle route from Shaftesbury to Gillingham, Gillingham to East Stour and East Stour to Shaftesbury, have one of the highest rates of traffic accidents in the county, some of which involve young or local drivers.

"We felt it was important to show them the consequences of dangerous driving and judging by some of the shocked faces, I think we got the message across."

The event was organised by Partners and Communities Together (Pact) members and Shaftesbury Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Young drivers are invited to attend Gillingham fire station at 6pm on April 10, and the wider community on April 11 at 6pm when the event is repeated.