Essex: Teenagers gear up to stay safe on the roads

TEENAGERS are gearing up to learn how to stay safe on the roads.

Next week sees the start of the eight-day Motorwise initiative. Now in its 11th year, Motorwise sees Uttlesford District Council and its partners in the Community Safety Partnership educating hundreds of 16 and 17-year-olds about all things automotive.

From Monday (September 12) qbout 800 students from years 11 and 12 from every secondary school in the district will learn about everything from basic maintenance to hazard awareness and driving techniques.

Each of the teenagers will get the chance to drive a car, often for the first time, during their day on the course.

Motorwise is organised by the district council and supported by organisations including Essex County Council, Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue.

The district council’s community safety officer Martin Ford said: “Motorwise is an extremely popular event with both the pupils and members of staff who attend. It enables the professional agencies involved to give practical hands on advice which is not always possible in the classroom.

“By educating these young people who may be just about to start driving, we can help make the roads safer both for them and for everyone else who uses them.”

Motorwise is being held at Carver Barracks.