Wiltshire Police Drive Home Road Safety Message at Swindon College

Motor Vehicle apprentices at Swindon College welcomed officers from the Wiltshire Police Road Safety Unit recently as they delivered a powerful and engaging ‘Driving Awareness’ presentation.

Alongside key facts and figures and clarification of the current legislation apprentices were also shown photographic examples of vehicles involved in collisions in the Wiltshire area – and even got the chance to test out their driving skills in a specially designed simulator.

‘’A lot of our apprentices have recently, or will soon be turning 17 and be getting cars of their own’’ said Swindon College Training Co-Ordinator Lisa White. ‘’Many will also be gaining access to a car as part of their apprenticeship, so it’s important that we educate them about the importance of responsible driving.’’

PC Barney Appleton who led the presentation said ’It’s hugely important to educate young drivers on road safety - and in particular the pitfalls of mixing drink and drugs with driving’’

‘’The aim of the presentation is not to shock, but just to make them think about the consequences of driving irresponsibly.’’

First year apprentice Aaron Evans, 17 who passed his driving test only last week said he found the presentation ‘’really interesting’’.

‘’It just goes to show what can happen if you don’t drive safely’’ said Aaron. ‘’The examples of accidents that had happened in the local area were particularly powerful as you can really relate if you know the road they are talking about. It really could happen to you.’’ 

Following PC Appleton’s presentation apprentices were led outside, where they were able to see up close one of the cars involved in a local fatal collision and test out the specially designed driving simulator. 

‘’The simulator gives the apprentices the chance to feel the difference between sober driving and driving whilst 1.5 times over the legal limit’’ explains Sergeant Gavin Brewster.

‘’It’s a really useful tool to demonstrate to young drivers just how much of a difference alcohol can make. Most are quite surprised of just how difficult it is!’’

For more information on apprenticeships at Swindon College visit www.swindon.ac.uk/apprenticeships, email [email protected] or call 01793 491 591.