Encouraging Young People to become Roadwise
Go BackAre you aged between 17 – 25 years old? Do you live in the Magherafelt area? If so read on . . .
Roadwise is a one-day intensive advanced driving programme which promotes safe driving with the aim of reducing deaths on the road. The programme focuses young drivers on the common causes of accidents, hazard awareness and vehicle safety; and includes an assessed demonstration drive by an IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) instructor.
Through the Northern Investing for Health Partnership, Magherafelt Road Safety Committee, in conjunction with the Institute of Advanced Motorists, local sports celebrity Charlie Donnelly and supported by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, will be piloting Roadwise within the Magherafelt area.
A goal of the Northern Investing for Health Partnership is to reduce accidental injuries and deaths in the home, workplace and from collisions on the road. Building on the success of a Roadwise campaign, co-ordinated by the Western Investing for Health Partnership, a programme pilot has been extended to the Northern area. Two sessions, each with places for up to 16 participants, will be held locally within the Magherafelt area on - Thursday 21 June at Magherafelt Fire Station and Thursday 28 June at Maghera Fire Station. The primary target group for the programme are male drivers aged 17-24 as statistics show that they are four times more likely to cause death or serious injury on the road.
Last year, 125 people died on Northern Ireland’s roads, 34 of these were under 21 years of age. While the overall number killed on roads has continued to decrease over the past few years, there is no comfort in the fact that so many young people in particular needlessly lose their lives on local roads.
Over 95% of fatalities on roads are due to human error, the Roadwise Programme will focus on helping young people to become safer, more attentive drivers. To secure a place on the programme participants are asked to invest £25. Places are subsidised by £75 representing a significant saving for local young people attending the training as the normal programme cost is £100 .
Speaking about the Roadwise initiative, Charlie Donnelly commented: ‘We are delighted to promote this very important programme to help young people become safer drivers. All too often young people get behind the wheel of a car and think they are invincible. Road traffic fatalities result in tragic consequences for families and communities who are left behind when a fatal collision occurs. We urge our young supporters to get involved in this programme and find out how they can improve your driving skills.’
Young people interested in participating in Roadwise training should phone Tel: 0845 270 7270 to register for the programme. Places are limited therefore those interested are encouraged to register quickly to avoid disappointment, based on demand a waiting list may be developed for future events.