Good afternoon, everyone,

On Saturday, 14th December, as part of Operation North Star—a forcewide initiative aimed at tackling anti-social behavior during the festive period—a multi-agency road traffic collision reconstruction event was held at Robin Park. This collaborative event brought together representatives from the Police, Ambulance Service, Fire Service, and Wigan Council to raise awareness about the serious dangers of drink and drug driving, particularly how such behaviours can result in devastating road traffic collisions.

The demonstration was both dramatic and educational. It featured a staged collision scenario where the Fire Service showcased their expertise by removing the roof of a vehicle, demonstrating the complex and delicate process of extracting individuals safely from a crash site. The Ambulance Service then illustrated the crucial steps they take to stabilise an injured person, including placing a patient onto a spinal board to prevent further spinal or back injuries. The Police played their part by breathalysing a role-player to simulate the legal consequences of drink driving, ultimately escorting them to a police van.

In addition to the reconstruction, the event offered a variety of interactive activities designed to engage the public and reinforce the key safety messages. Attendees had the chance to experience a virtual reality simulation of a car accident, which provided a realistic and impactful perspective on the consequences of dangerous driving. There were also practical demonstrations on administering first aid to an unresponsive person, emphasizing the importance of life-saving skills in critical situations. Throughout the event, the overarching message remained clear: drinking or taking drugs while driving poses a severe risk not only to the driver but to everyone on the road.

The public showed great interest and actively engaged with the activities, making the event at Robin Park Retail a resounding success. Events like this highlight the importance of a collaborative, multi-agency approach to addressing road safety and raising awareness of the consequences of irresponsible driving.

Plans are already underway for similar events in the future, as this initiative proved to be an effective way to educate the community and promote safer behaviours during the busy holiday season.

Kind Regards,

GMP