A HARD-HITTING roadshow that brings home to teenagers the dreadful consequences of fatal car crashes could come to Malmesbury.

Year 11 pupils from Malmesbury School have been taking part in the Safe Drive Stay Alive programme led by Wiltshire Fire Service for several years and have seen the presentations in Swindon and Chippenham But the area board has decided to arrange for a local showing that can be seen by parents and younger teenagers.

Chairman John Thomson made the proposal after parents and police at last week’s meeting in Brinkworth praised the programme, which uses personal testimony from bereaved parents, medics, firefighters and victims in a bid to cut the number of young people killed in crashes.

Malmesbury has seen several in recent years.

Sgt Martin Alvis said: “Until you have actually been to the scene of a fatal or life-changing accident I don’t think you can really understand what it is all about.”

He gave his backing. “I think it would be a fantastic opportunity.”

One father whose two daughters have both been through the programme said it was the best investment he made before their driving lessons “It is absolutely vital,” he added.

Town councillor Andrew Woodcock suggested it would also prove cost effective in the long term.

And colleague Kim Power suggested the event could be thrown open to younger teenagers who were champing at the bit to start driving.

Launched six years ago Safe Dive Stay Alive has been seen by thousands of 15 and 16-year-olds shortly before they start driving lessons. It has also been given to young soldiers and company car drivers.