NEW drivers in Gwent are being shown graphic images of people who have died as a result of traffic collisions as part of a campaign to try and keep them safe behind the wheel.

Gwent Police officers working in the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit have been taking a proactive approach by visiting schools and colleges with sixth forms to speak to new drivers and teenagers who will be learning to drive in the near future.

Officers deliver a presentation called ‘Licence to Kill’ which explains some of the dangers new drivers face, either through lack of experience or because of influences such as alcohol, drugs or peer pressure to drive in an unsafe way.

The presentation is graphic and all pupils who watch it need consent from their parents before taking part in the session.

Four schools have been visited so far with a further 20 planned early in the new year.

PC Tony Parker is a trained and experienced Family Liaison Officer who helps the families of people fatally injured in road collisions.

He said: “It was decided to deliver these presentations because, although graphic, we think the content is necessary to have the right impact on teenagers who are blasé to the dangers they face.”