Young Drivers Praise Council’s ‘Invaluable’ Safe Driving Initiative

The aftermath of serious road accidents was brought home to students from across the district during Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Young Drivers’ Road Safety Initiative over recent months.

Designed to educate the drivers of tomorrow to remain safe behind the wheel, the event allows students to experience what life-changing road accidents are like via AR technology and provides a powerful insight into how firefighters free passengers trapped in vehicles following crashes using specialised cutting equipment.

Working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (Southern Command), PSNI, Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), New Driver Safety Ambassador and Crash Services NI, Bishopscourt Racing Circuit and Drive Techniques Driving School, the initiative is designed to educate young drivers to remain safe and alert on the roads.

Organised by the Council’s Downpatrick, Slieve Croob, Rowallane and Mournes District Electoral Areas (DEAs) and hosted by Bishopscourt Racing Circuit, students are educated about the responsibilities that come with driving and awareness of the risks associated with speeding, distracted driving and other dangerous road behaviours.

They also learn about the Graduated Driving Licence (GDL) scheme from Crash Services, motor insurance requirements and the implications of penalty points for young drivers, with PSNI officers providing practical advice on safe driving practices, including the correct procedures when encountering emergency service vehicles.

Students also take part in practical driving lessons with qualified instructors from Drive Techniques Driving School at the circuit, with the hands-on experience enabling them to develop their driving awareness and gain valuable insights into road safety in a controlled environment. PSNI officers provide guidance and advice on safe driving practices and responsible road behaviour.

Students from Kilkeel High School and St Louis Grammar, also Kilkeel, were the latest to take part in the Road Safety initiative, describing the experience as “invaluable” and one they believe  all young people should participate in.

Josh McKibbin (17) and Joshua Chestnutt (16) from Kilkeel High, said their message to young drivers is to take their time, be alert and respect other road users.

“The initiative educates you to be aware at all times while driving, not to speed, be aware of your surroundings, never use your phone, read the road ahead and never allow yourself to be distracted. The AR session and watching how firefighters help people trapped in cars was a scary experience and really brings it home to you what can happen,” said Josh. “This is a really worthwhile initiative and something all young drivers should have a chance to experience.”

Joshua added: “Bad driving just doesn’t impact you but other road users and pedestrians. The emergency services demonstration shows the consequences of poor driving behaviour. My message to young drivers is never do anything stupid and know the laws around driving to keep themselves and others safe.”

Adam Corrigan (16) and Eimer Gorman (17) from St Louis, say their message to young drivers is to always be sensible.

“I start driving in March next year and have learnt a lot today about staying safe on the roads, not to speed and never do anything stupid. The firefighter’s demonstration really brought home the aftermath of serious road traffic accidents and I never want that to be me,” said Adam.

Eimear said her advice for young drivers is “be safe at all times and always drive sensibly”. She added: “Watching how the emergency services free people who end up trapped in cars after serious accidents makes what can happen to people a bit more real. It’s something you don’t think about but, when you see it up close, it really brings it home to you.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “Educating young people about road safety is vital as they prepare to begin a new chapter in their life. The Young Drivers’ Road Safety initiative is invaluable, providing the drivers of tomorrow with vital information and practical experience of what it’s like behind the wheel. We very much welcome the continued support of our partners for a scheme which is part of the Council’s commitment to promote community safety and encourage responsible behaviour among young drivers.”

Newry, Mourne and Down PCSP Chairperson, Councillor Jill Truesdale said, “The Road Safety Initiative provides students with invaluable knowledge and practical experience as they prepare for life on the roads. By bringing together schools, emergency services and road safety experts, this programme highlights the very real consequences of dangerous driving while also encouraging safe, responsible behaviour.”