Wokingham

Child road deaths in the Wokingham Borough are down 83 per cent since 1998 but the drive is still on to push this down to zero and so, during the school holidays, special courses for teenagers on how to drive carefully and responsibly will take place.

In addition to Wokingham road safety education and awareness advice, the Motorvation course will offer teenagers the chance to take their first taste of life behind the wheel with a free driving lesson on the day. They will also get guidance on how to buy a used car and make sure it is roadworthy.

Motorvation has been running for the past four years in the Wokingham Borough and has given more than 480 young people the skills necessary for a safe motoring life.

The one day workshops will run on Wednesday August 5 and Wednesday August 19 from 9.15am to 4pm and are free to all Wokingham Borough youngsters aged between 15 and 19.

Both sessions will take place at Woodley Airfield Youth and Community Centre and 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

The event has been organised by Wokingham Borough Council and will be presented by the Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, Thames Valley Police, the Highways Agency and several qualified driving instructors.

Julie Pillai, Wokingham road safety officer said: “The workshops offer participants a lot of valuable help, including the opportunity to experience what it’s like to drive a vehicle in a controlled and safe surrounding – the first chance that many of the youngsters 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, it’s even more fragile when there is a car involved but I’m not sure many young people realise just how dangerous a car can be.

“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 drive a motor vehicle is a huge responsibility.”

Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for Wokingham transport and highways, said: “Driving a car or motor vehicle is a privilege that many people take for granted – but our young people need to be educated right from the start that driving badly can wipe out someone’s life instantly.

“If you are thinking about applying for your provisional licence soon please do come along to the Movorvation workshop – it could one day mean the difference between life and death.”

Although mainly for 16 and 17 year olds, anyone between 15 and 19 can attend the workshop at the Hurricane Way youth and community centre, by booking a free place. Places can be reserved by calling (0118) 974 6387.

Wokingham Borough Council