THE first pupils to watch a harrowing DVD which reveals the horror of a death crash have told of the powerful effect it had on them.

Pupils in Year 10 at Hollins Technology College, Accrington, were today the first to see the DVD which made in conjunction with the Lancashire Telegraph’s “Wasted Lives” campaign.

In the film, the family of Matthew Hannon, from Blackburn, talk about his death in a car accident in January 2006.

Matthew, 22, had been racing with a friend in Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn, when he crashed.

The children were also shown footage warning of the dangers of joyriding, and had workshops with different agencies involved in the day.

Representatives from the police, fire service, youth service, youth offending team and prison service took part in the “No More Wasted Lives” programme.

It will now be used at schools throughout East Lancashire.

Pupil Rachael Beardmore, 15, said: “It really opened my eyes to what a moment of madness can do and how horrific a car crash can be.”

Joe Dakin, 15, added: “People our age are in the group most likely to die in a car so it’s a good idea to do this in schools to make us all think about it more.”

Becki Baillie, 15, said that after seeing the films and taking part in the workshops she would be making sure her brother always belted up in the car.

She said: “We learned lots of things about what could happen and the film about Matthew was really powerful and emotional.”

Beckey Moores, also 15, said: “I will make sure I always wear my seatbelt. It’s really made me think.”

Laura Dixon, 15, added it had made her think about the effect of a fatal crash families. She said: “I’m going to go home tonight and give my mum a big hug.”

Deputy headteacher Ian Butterfield said: “Anything that makes it real and personal has a very powerful effect on people, and the Hannons’ video gave everyone a real understanding of the dangers.”

Wasted Lives aims to cut the carnage of young drivers on our roads by increased education and new legislation.