Bucks crash survivor calls for caution on roads this New Year's Eve
Thousands are expected to get behind the wheel tonight, with safety messages being sent out
A survivor of a crash from Buckinghamshire is urging people to be cautious on the roads this New Year's.
Dean Osborne from High Wycombe was 26 when he was involved in a collision - which saw his vehicle overturn.
He was taken to hospital in a critical condition and suffered life-changing injuries as a result.
Dean's seatbelt saved his life that night.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, he said: "Make sure that they wear their seatbelt and they think about these things because it only takes five seconds for it to ruin your life.
"Before the accident I never used to wear a seatbelt, and I never thought that I would ever be in this kind of situation.
"It turns your life on its head."
Dean suffered a brain injury, which has affected his mobility, and required him to re-learn how to walk.
“Definitely wear a seatbelt. Yes, it might still affect you, because it all depends on how bad the accident is, but I would definitely tell people to wear a seatbelt because you are still more likely to survive,” added Dean.
Every year, a peak in drink-driving offences, often resulting in accidents, are recorded around this time of year.
While police double their efforts to reduce offences and save lives, a lot of their work in the lead-up to New Year’s revolves around road safety awareness, which goes beyond drink or drug-driving to include seatbelt safety or mobile phone use prevention messages.
The three counties’ police forces issued their safety messages ahead of this festive period.
Since the launch of this year's awareness campaign, which comprises a range of prevention messages, Hertfordshire Police has been encouraging residents to challenge unacceptable behaviour, as well reminding them about consent and highlighting resources such as Hollie Guard, the free personal safety app.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael Macbeth, from the constabulary’s Safeguarding Command, said: "Hertfordshire is a great and safe place for people to come to celebrate, with a vibrant nightlife, and we want people to be able to enjoy themselves safely and have a good time.
"Sadly, we know there are a minority of people out there who may see the festive season as an excuse to forget normal standards of behaviour, but this is simply not acceptable."
If you see something that doesn’t feel right tell staff, security or police. In an emergency call 999.