Gearing up to drive (From Barry And District News)

Gearing up to drive

BARRY teenagers have been given a stark warning about dangers of driving stolen vehicles.

A project organised mainly by school liaison officer PC Phil Davies, brought together a number of youngsters to teach them the consequences of this type of crime and the importance of safe driving.

They spent a day with Llantwit Major youth centre worker Martin Gilvear at Llandau Airfield where they were taught basic driving skills.

Most of the youths were too young to hold a driving licence but were warned of the importance of acting responsibility on the roads.

Co-organisers Ed Florey, a National Association of Clubs for Young People member, and Mike Kirkman, youth co-ordinator for Alternative Education, explained how the day worked.

Mike, who is based in Station Road, Dinas Powys, said: "This is called the Impact Road Show, which teaches young people about the relevant aspects of driving.

"They are told of the impact driving can have on other peoples' lives. Hopefully it will change a young person's attitude and it might make them think about their actions more."

Ed added: "There are three main parts to the course. There is a video telling of a mother whose son was killed by a driver. Another part is driving a car and buying a car as well as keeping it on the road. We have a board game like Monopoly which goes through the different steps of car ownership."

The youths are also told of the pitfalls of riding in stolen cars and the effects of using drink or drugs.

Fourteen-year-old Sammy Fry from Daniel Street, Cadoxton, took part in the course.

He told the News: "I learned how to control the car, but not only that. We also found out how drinking and driving can cause the death of another person.

"We learned about the perils of speeding. I won't be speeding because it has made me think about the consequences."