An accident-damaged car will greet Truro and Penwith College students as they arrive at campus, as part of a campaign by local fire fighters to cut the number of road traffic collisions.

Organised by Orange Watch at Truro Fire Station, the car will be on display at the College Road campus for three weeks from Monday 12 November. The display is accompanied by the story of a 19-year old male driver whose passenger girlfriend dies following the collision.

With research showing young drivers – particularly young male drivers – at more risk of being involved in a collision than older drivers, firefighters are hoping the display will prompt students to stay safe.

“Our display aims to highlight the consequences of poor driving behaviour,” said firefighter Mark Henwood from Orange Watch Truro. “Young drivers have a higher proportion of accidents in the evenings and early mornings - with the longer nights drawing in and Christmas not too far away, we hope the display will act as a timely reminder for students. “We would like to thank Truro and Penwith College for allowing us to use their site for the display, Cornwall Road Safety team and Persimmon Homes for the use of their fencing to put around the car.”

Jane Cashmore from the college added: “We appreciate young people enjoy the freedom to drive and we support any initiative to encourage them to do this safely.”