Educating our Young Drivers

March 2013

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Year 12 students Jordan Tones, Tyler Thompson and Liam Gill with DCC's EXCELerate officer.

It's a sad fact that thousands of young drivers are involved in tragic car accidents every year in the UK and many of these accidents are caused by dangerous driving. That's why we do everything we can to raise awareness and educate our students long before they get their provisional license.

Recently, Mrs Short organised for students in Years 10-13 to see a performance by the touring theatre company, Tiny Giants, called "New Wheels - Dangerous Driving'. The play told the story of two brothers who are involved in a horrific car crash following a night out, with tragic consequences for all involved. Although hard-hitting in places, the play deals with very real issues and it is specifically designed to make young people think about their safety as a young driver and also as a passenger.

A car simulator, which allows students to test out their driving and reaction skills, was also on site for Sixth Form and Year 11 students thanks to Durham County Council's EXCELerate programme. This programme aims to reduce young driver accidents in County Durham through education.