THE father of a man killed in a crash seven years ago has warned youngsters not to take risks on county roads.

Jerry Mitchell told hundreds of sixth form pupils, at the launch of Road Safety Week at Weymouth Pavilion, the tragic tale of losing his son Alex.

His speech was part of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’ presentation.

Alex Mitchell and Paul Trattles were killed when a Honda Civic landed on its roof on the A30 near Sherborne in March 2007.

To launch Road Safety Week, Mr Mitchell told students of the heartbreak of losing someone in a crash and what they should do to avoid the same fate.

“When we are young, we all think we are invincible and that accidents happen to other people,” explained Mr Mitchell. “But these were two young men, both 20 years old with their whole lives ahead of them.

“Some say time is a healer, but losing a child never heals. It may be very exciting driving fast – but on the public roads, speed is certainly a killer.”

Youngsters also saw a reconstruction of a woman being cut free from a car after a crash – and the work involved by emergency services.

Kate Underhill, policy manager at Dorset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We’re targeting young people who are just about to drive, have started learning to drive and those who have just passed their tests.

“A quarter of road traffic accidents are involving someone aged 17 to 24. This is down to inexperience and lack of knowledge – and that age group are generally more prepared to take risks.”