SHOPPERS have been taking to a car crash simulator to experience the benefits of wearing their seatbelt when on the road.

As part of a week of community advice events for east Durham residents, Durham Constabulary’s seatbelt sled was in The Chare, Castle Dene Shopping Centre, Peterlee, yesterday.

The device allows people the chance to experience the impact of an accident driving at 5mph, and to think about the consequences of the same accident travelling at higher speeds.

Dave Dixon, road casualty reduction officer with Durham Police, said: "The simulator gives people the chance to experience how an accident would feel at a low speed, and to realise how bad this would be if travelling at higher speeds without a seatbelt."

Throughout next week residents are also being offered advice on staying safe and dealing with neighbourhood nuisances.

Representatives from Durham County Council, the police, Durham and Darlington Fire Service, Neighbourhood Watch, East Durham Homes, Neighbourhood Watch and the drug advice and support service, ESMI, will be visiting different venues.

The day initiative also includes walkabouts through parts of east Durham by council staff and East Durham Homes to identify nuisance problems, with any graffiti and flytipping spotted being removed immediately.

The initiative is part of Operation Milkshake, which has been organised by Safe Durham Partnership in conjunction with Peterlee Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Inspector Paul Harrison, of Peterlee Police, said: "Now in its third year, Operation Milkshake continues to prove successful at tackling the crime and nuisance activities that people are truly concerned with."

The remaining advice events will be held from 10am to 4pm at the Wheatley Hill Community Centre tomorrow; the Blitz Bus, Third Street, Horden, on Wednesday; Wingate Community Centre on Thursday and at the Blackhall Community Centre from 10am to 3pm on Friday.

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