Young Driver
Man warns youngsters after accident
Thu, 05 Jan 2006
A young man almost killed in a road accident in West Cumbria is using the experience to warn other young drivers about the reality of car crashes.
David Tattersall, 20, had to be cut from his vehicle by emergency crews after an accident in 2002. Having spent 11 months in hospital and still recovering from the ordeal, Mr Tattersall can only speak with the aid of a microphone pressed to his larynx.
Now part of Cumbria's Fire Service's Road Awareness Team, Mr Tattersall visits young drivers across the county to warn them about the dangers and consequences of irresponsible driving.
Firefighters in the area currently spend more time dealing with road accidents than they do fighting fires.
"I talk to a lot of young people and it is rewarding for me to know that they listen and they see and they learn from my experience and from other parts of the presentation," Mr Tattersall told the Times and Star.
"If there is one simple message I would give to all drivers it is that they should just take care. Be more aware and look to see what is happening rather than just looking at the car ahead."
Young drivers are advised to take out young driver car insurance in order to cover themselves in the event of an accident.
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