Wokingham

There are still places available for Wokingham young people to join the ‘Motorvation’ course, Wokingham District Council’s annual free pre-driver training event.

Owing to high demand, an extra date has been added at Woodley Airfield Youth and Community Centre, Hurricane Way, Woodley on Tuesday October 24.

The day-long course for Wokingham 16 and 17-year-olds aims to raise road safety awareness before they even get behind a steering wheel. All aspects of driving theory are covered, using mock tests and video footage. The course culminates in a driving lesson for all participants.

With four one-hour, hands-on, intensive workshops, the day will teach Wokingham participants about:

* Road safety - This session will cover what causes road traffic accidents and why so many young drivers, particularly young men, make up increasing statistics regarding serious injury and death on roads. Discussions will cover drink driving, speed, driving whilst tired, using mobile phones, seat belts, driving without insurance, obtaining and keeping a driving licence.

* 'Honest Arry’s’ - Buying a second hand car. This workshop is divided into two halves, the first looking at what types of car to purchase, the second on inspecting a vehicle offered for sale. It covers finding the vehicle identification number, spotting cut ‘n’ shuts and recognising when a vehicle has had heavy use or been involved in an accident.

* First at the scene of a crash - This workshop is delivered in partnership with the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and aims to raise awareness of how an accident can affect the lives of not just those involved, but also friends, family and the wider community. The session looks at how the emergency services are affected, what it is like for them to drag bodies from wrecked cars and how they cope with informing relatives. The session also offers basic first aid skills and essential knowledge on raising the alarm to get rapid help to victims.

* Drink awareness - This workshop covers a number of issues related to drink driving. PC Les Eke covers peer pressure and driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. Special goggles are used to simulate the effects of being over the limit and illustrate why it is a good idea to stick to soft drinks or leave the car at home.

The final, most popular part of the Wokingham Wokingham day is a driving practical in which every participant gets a chance to drive a dual-control vehicle in a controlled environment.

Katie Webb, road safety advisor from Wokingham council consultants Mouchel Parkman, said: “The course we held in August was very successful, so I am pleased we have been able to put on this extra date. We’re aiming to start people off with good habits at an early stage and encourage a generation of well-informed and safe road users.”

‘Motorvation’ is just one part of Wokingham District Council’s ongoing programme of road safety education, through consultants Mouchel Parkman. One in three newly qualified drivers are involved in an accident during their first two years of driving. Since the New Drivers’ Act 1997, over 41,000 new drivers have had their licences revoked. In the Wokingham district, 24% of speed related injury collisions involved drivers between the ages of 17 and 21.

The course is free and runs from 9am to 4pm, but needs to be booked in advance. For more information or to book a place, contact Mouchel Parkman’s road safety adviser Katie Webb on (0118) 936 7301 or email katie.webb@mouchelparkman.com.

Wokingham District Council