YOUTH offenders took part in a realistic car crash simulation last night as part of a scheme to promote safer driving among young people.

The exercise, which took place at the Lincolns Field Centre in Bushey, involved 15 young people who played the role of casualties in a multi-car accident.

They were cut free and rescued by firefighters and paramedics in an attempt to bring to the life the consequences of dangerous driving.

The Crash Bang project, which has been running for five years, is spearheaded by Borehamwood firefighter Bob Williams.

His work was praised by county councillor Richard Thake, executive member for community safety, who said the project had been very successful.

Cllr Thake said: “It has proved to be a very effective way of making the potential consequences of committing a motoring offence hit home for young people – excess speeding and careless driving can result in tragic circumstances.”

More than 100 youth offenders from across the county have taken part in the scheme, with only one known to have reoffended since.

Other agencies involved in the project included Hertfordshire County Council’s Youth Offending Teams, the East of England Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and Hertfordshire Constabulary.