Young people get ‘wrecked’ and learn the dangers of drink drug driving

Over 6,000 young people during this academic year are learning about the potential risks of drink and drug driving through a free workshop.

The workshop, aimed at young, pre and novice drivers and their passengers, has been developed by the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership for Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET) to support their anti drink drug driving campaign.

By working together, these organisations want to prevent incidents from happening by teaching 17 – 24 year olds about the emotional and physical consequences of being involved in a crash after drinking or taking drugs.

Those attending will learn about the law and enforcement for drink and drug drivers and how a driving conviction could affect their future.

As part of a staged road traffic collision, learners will experience what it would be like to be cut out of a vehicle by the emergency services, showcasing the equipment which is used during a rescue operation.

The course also covers drink driving the morning after and how to calculate a unit.

Young people will also be introduced to a ‘Drugs Wipe’, used for detecting drug driving.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, infrastructure and planning said: “More and more people are learning and understanding about the serious consequences that drink or drug driving can have on lives.

Sadly some still feel as though they can control a vehicle after they’ve drunk alcohol or taken drugs. The ‘Wrecked’ prevention course will reach even more local young people this year with its vital message.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Martin Surl said: “More people are killed on the roads than by any other unnatural means. Young people, whether drivers or passengers, are among the most vulnerable.

“That is why it is imperative we take every opportunity and use any means available to educate them about the risks of getting behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.

“Helping our young people become responsible adults and promoting safe and social driving have been among my priorities from the first day I was elected and will remain so throughout my second term.”

Gareth Cook, lead instructor for Gloucestershire Engineering Training, said: “We at GET are passionate about education and developing young people, this is not just in the technical skills and knowledge needed for their future careers but soft skills such as employability skills and expected behaviours. We feel that educating young people in the dangers and temptations that life brings is equally important. Our partnership with the Road Safety Partnership is a fantastic way to do this with their professional, passionate and enthusiastic team educating our learners in a fun and interesting way. We very much value this partnership and look forward to working with the Road Safety Partnership team again in the future.”

The workshop, which is free to attend, can be booked through the safe and social driving coordinator by emailing louise.white@glosfire.gov.uk. The next workshop is taking place at SkillZONE 22^nd July, the counties state of the art life size safety village.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk