Local teens on the cusp of getting behind the wheel have gained insight into road tragedy as the annual mock crash demonstration returned.
Some 400 Year 10 students from across the Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Council areas attended the event at Parkes High School's Multi-Purpose Centre.
Nine local high schools are taking part in this year's NOT A STATISTIC! Youth Driver Education Program, which includes a pre classroom lesson, the live mock crash demonstration and a follow-up classroom lesson.
Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the purpose of the mock crash demonstration is to show young drivers what happens when a crash occurs.
"The mock crash demonstration started with a short video that set the scene about how the crash occurred and introduced the youth actors," Ms Suitor said.
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"Then the curtains opened, and the audience watched as the youth actors called '000' for help.
"When emergency service personnel arrived, they were confronted with two severely injured trapped passengers, one dead passenger and an emotional driver.
"The mock crash demonstration concluded with recorded victim impact statements which highlighted what life has been like for the driver, her surviving passengers and their families nine months on."
The videos included point of view footage of what happened at the police station.
"The students were all glued to the car and the actors - you could hear a pin drop," Ms Suitor said.
"I think the message really hit home to them about the trauma involved in car crashes because it was so very realistic.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in putting this mock car crash demonstration together - it's a real team effort and I couldn't have done this without your support and assistance.
"Thanks to Westlime, Regency Medical, Parkes Auto Wreckers, the McMasters, Parkes High School, Senior Constable Brett Ryan, Constable Kayla Arkinstall, Sergeant Maree Reynolds, Courteney Turner, Brandon Roderick, David Law, Matt Hando, Mark Applebee, Leanne Field, Jeff Field, Glen Morgan, Sherry Morgan, CCT Productions, Addison Lewer, Isabella Hughes, Abigail Heard and Angelique Bland," Ms Suitor said.
The program has been running since 2009.
Over that period there has been a 27 per cent reduction in crashes on local roads involving a young driver (17 - 25 years old).
Follow-up classroom lessons are being held over the next few weeks.
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