Wokingham

Young people in the Wokingham Borough will be given a crash course on how to drive safely so they can avoid collisions on the road, later this month.

A one-day Wokingham workshop to give teenagers, aged 15 to 19-years-old, the ‘Motorvation’ to drive safely will take place on Wednesday April 16 at Woodley Airfield Youth and Community Centre.

Statistics show that nationally three young people die every day on the roads and that a third of all new drivers will have an accident within their first two years of passing their test. To help young drivers in the Wokingham Borough, and those looking to take their test in the next few years, the Motorvation course will offer a range of practical advice and information on how to minimise the risk of accidents when they are behind the wheel.

The Wokingham workshop will cover a range of topics, including:

· Hazards facing new drivers,
· The legal requirements of driving a vehicle on public roads,
· The impact on family, friends and the community when a young person is involved in a road accident
· Issues that can arise when buying a second-hand vehicle

Advice on motorway driving will also form part of the day, with some practical information from the Highways Agency.

The event has been organised by Wokingham Borough Council in conjunction with the Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Highways Agency.

Participants will also be able to learn basic first aid skills and how to help people in the event of a road accident as well as examine how drink and drugs impair a driver’s capability as well as the impact they have on passengers.
Rob McDonnell, senior Wokingham traffic management engineer, said: “The workshops offer participants a lot of valuable help, including the opportunity to experience what it’s like to drive a motor vehicle in a controlled and safe surrounding – the first chance that many participants will have to drive a real car!

“There are also photographs and video footage of road traffic accidents in the workshops, which can be a little shocking. Life is precious and needs taking seriously, this can be achieved if we demonstrate just how fragile human beings are.

“On average a car weighs about a tonne and can kill a whole family in one fatal hit, road users need to appreciate that to own a motor vehicle is a huge responsibility.”

Young people aged between 15 and 19 can attend the workshop at the Hurricane Way centre, which will run from 9.30am to 4pm, by booking a free place. Places can be reserved by calling (0118) 974 6472.

Wokingham Borough Council