STUDENTS at Devizes School had the brutal truth of how speeding, drink driving and a moment of lost concentration can end in tragedy.

The Safe Drive Stay Alive roadshow was at the school on Friday for a no punches pulled lesson in the consequences of bad driving.

They were confronted with a smashed up car that had been involved in a fatal accident and heart real-life stories from professional firefighters, police officers and doctors.

Safe Drive Stay Alive is a Wiltshire and Swindon road safety initiative coordinated by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service on behalf of a partnership including Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council, Arval Ltd, Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Severn Major Trauma Network.

It is the seventh time the roadshow for Year 11 pupils has been held at the school in a bid to reduce the number of accidents involving young people.

A school spokesman said: "It is designed to raise awareness of the dangers of driving for young people because statistically there is a significant increase in road traffic related fatalities for 15 - 24 year olds.

As well as real-life stories and essential advice from the professionals, the roadshow also featured a car which had been involved in a fatal accident as a way of bringing home the real consequences of dangerous driving to the students.

"The students found it a sobering experience which allowed them to consider their vulnerabilities and accountability as they embark on learning to drive."

The Devizes students are among more than 1,200 Wiltshire pupils in Year 11 who will see this year's roadshow.

A fire service spokesman said: "Safe Drive Stay Alive uses powerful personal testimony and dramatic video footage to make the audience aware of the tragedy and suffering caused by road traffic collisions.

"Firefighters, medics, police officers, bereaved parents and people who have been directly involved in road traffic collisions recount their stories, often in heartbreaking detail."

Ian Hopkins, road safety manager at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The presentation is hard hitting and upsetting, but we make no apology for that.

"The speakers are real people who have experienced the horror of road traffic collisions, whether as a member of the emergency services, as a victim or as a parent who has lost a child. It is this truthfulness that makes it so successful. We know that the young people who see this roadshow are affected, and we have seen the number of young people killed or seriously injured on our roads decrease since the programme started. We really do make a difference.”

There are to be a number of shows held specifically for military personnel in early December.