Young driver initiative to launch in Maldon
A new initiative to help young drivers stay safe and #DriveWell in Maldon will launch at Maldon Fire Station on 5 May (6.30-11.00pm).
The launch event is being organised by Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Essex Police and Maldon District Council and is open to all drivers and young people.
Young drivers can bring their cars to the event which will include a range of free vehicle checks, driving challenges, free food and competitions.
Everyone who attends will be given a voucher entitling them to discounts on vehicle repairs, tyres and driving lessons*. Attendees will also have the chance to win two RiZe Festival tickets and a new car through the award-winning #MySmallChange campaign.
Developed by SERP, #MySmallChange calls on young drivers to make a pledge to improve a particular aspect of their driving. There are 10 pledge topics covering issues including speed, mobile phones, seat belts, fatigue and distraction.
#MySmallChange won the ‘Young Driver Campaign of the Year’ category at the 2017 FirstCar Young Driver Road Safety Awards.
The Maldon event will also include demonstrations from Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue Service. Young drivers can also put their driving skills to the test in a Subaru driving simulator, and test their speed control against the latest TruCam Laser Speed Gun.
Cllr Mark Durham, leader of Maldon District Council, said:
“The event should be really entertaining for young drivers as well as a good way for our emergency services to convey important messages to young people.
“A lot of young and newly qualified drivers understandably enjoy the freedom driving brings, but too often are unaware of the risks.
“The council has been working proactively with Essex Police to tackle nuisance drivers. This event is a good way for drivers to save money and check they are not breaking the law with modifications. It also supports the council’s objective to help people to be safe and deal with anti-social behaviour.”
The event will be attended by Ben Wilson a young driver who narrowly escaped from a near fatal crash. The remains of his crashed car will also be on display.
The event will be supported via social media using #DriveWell and #Maldon.
*Prizes and free vouchers will be available from Quest Motors, Super Tires and Supreme Driving School.
23 April 2018