DRIVERS will get the chance to see what it feels like in a crash at a road safety event.

Bolton and Bury Councils have teamed up with the Institute of Advanced Motorists, the Tyre Industry Council, the Driving Standards Agency, Greater Manchester Police and Tower FM to get the message across that crashes are not inevitable and that they can be prevented.

As part of the campaign there will be a Free Road Safety Day on the Reebok Stadium Car Park on Sunday from 10am-4pm where drivers will be able to have their tyres checked, test their manoeuvrability skills and experience a low speed collision on a specially constructed seatbelt sledge.

There will also be help and advice. Bolton Council executive member for environment Councillor Guy Harkin said: "Drivers can prevent accidents by looking after their vehicle, being observant while driving and keeping their speed down."

Inspector Duncan Grundy of Bolton police traffic unit said: "Last year in Bolton and Bury alone more than 2,000 drivers and passengers were killed or injured in collisions on the area's roads.

"Speed was a factor in many of these cases, but it's also about driving appropriately for the conditions." Bolton Council executive member for environment Councillor Guy Harkin said: "We want to get the message across that crashes don't just happen and that drivers can prevent them by looking after their vehicle, being observant while driving and keeping their speed down."