New initiative in Warwickshire helps young drivers overcome fears about using garages
Sixth formers in Nuneaton were the first to join sessions teaching them how to find reliable garages and check their vehicles themselves
A new scheme in Warwickshire is helping young drivers feel more confident about using garages and looking after their cars.
Students at Higham Lane Sixth Form in Nuneaton were shown how to handle repairs, and ask the right questions.
The awareness session targeted 16- to 18-year-old drivers and motorcyclists, is part of the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership's programme to reduce fatal and serious injuries on the region’s roads.
Research indicates that young drivers often avoid taking their vehicles for service due to fears of high costs or unnecessary work, begin carried out, and being ‘ripped off’ due to their age and lack of experience.
Figures from the Department for Transport show that 153 people are killed or seriously injured each year due to defective tyres, with over 2 million vehicles failing their MOT annually because of tyre issues.
Cllr Stephen Shaw, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning, said: “We were concerned about the stories we were hearing from young drivers. They reported bad experiences with garages, who appeared to overcharge them for repairs or put pressure on them to have work carried out that a second opinion confirmed didn’t require doing.
“This has led to young drivers avoiding garages, ignoring service intervals and warning lights on their dashboard, rather than getting the issues sorted out. This potentially means that young drivers are driving unsafe vehicles, with defects that could cause or contribute to a serious collision. Our young drivers are vulnerable enough on our roads without the risks of them driving or riding unsafe vehicles”
“Thanks to the support of our partners, we have been able to deliver a programme that addresses these concerns and empowers young drivers and riders to find trustworthy garages, make them aware of their rights, ensure they ask the right questions and show them how to carry out simple maintenance checks on their own vehicles”
Tom Sears, Assistant Headteacher (Head of Sixth Form) at Higham Lane School, said: “We were delighted to be asked to host this fantastic event, the first of its kind in Warwickshire. Our students gained invaluable practical knowledge, from essential post-collision safety to ensuring their car and motorbike tyres are safe and legal. Hands-on opportunities like this form a core part of our Personal Development curriculum, equipping our students with vital skills for the future and keeping them safer on the roads”
Marie Biddulph, National Highways Regional Safety Programme Manager, , said: “Safety is always our number one priority and you’re never too young to learn about road safety as a driver or a rider. We are delighted to be involved in this initiative.
“Working in partnership with our road safety partners, we are reaching out to colleges to offer our advice to novice drivers, motorcyclists and anyone who may be using our roads to help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.
“Preparing for any journey is an important part of staying safe so we are sharing our TRIP advice with students – these are simple checks to Top-up fuel, oil and screen wash, Rest with regular breaks on trips, Inspect tyres and Prepare for travel in any weather conditions.”
Samantha Preece, Senior Marketing Manage at Halfords Garage Services said: "At Halfords, we're committed to playing an active role in supporting safer communities, which is why we were delighted to work alongside our partners Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership, National Highways and other local organisations to help educate and inspire the next generation of drivers and riders.
“For many new motorists, learning to drive is only the beginning of their journey. Understanding how to look after a vehicle, recognising the importance of regular maintenance and safety checks, and knowing when to seek expert advice are all essential skills that help keep people safe on the road.
“We also recognise that many drivers, particularly younger motorists, can feel apprehensive about visiting a garage or unsure about vehicle checks. By providing practical advice in a friendly and accessible environment, we hope to reduce that anxiety, build confidence, and encourage more drivers to take a proactive approach to vehicle safety.
“Working together with our partners, we're helping to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions, maintain their vehicles safely and contribute to safer roads for everyone in our communities."
The scheme is set to expand to five more colleges and sixth forms in Warwickshire this September, with hopes that it may become an annual event shared with other road safety partnerships.
The initiative is also supported by Warwickshire Police, Fire and Rescue Service, the Road Safety Education Team, and Phoenix Motorcycle Training.