More than 6,000 Gloucestershire teenagers had the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs ‘drummed’ into them at a series of events across the county.
Organised by the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, the ‘Wrecked’ initiative taught attendees about the emotional and physical consequences of being involved in a crash after taking drink or drugs.
The events, held in association with Gloucestershire Engineering Training, also included a staged road traffic collision, enabling the students to experience what it would be like to be cut out of a vehicle by the emergency services.
In addition, the course covered the pitfalls of drink-driving the ‘morning after’ and how to calculate a unit of alcohol.
Councillor Nigel Moor, Gloucestershire County Council, said: “More and more people are learning and understanding about the serious consequences that drink or drug driving can have on lives.
“Sadly some still feel as though they can control a vehicle after they’ve drunk alcohol or taken drugs. The ‘Wrecked’ prevention course reached even more local young people this year with its vital message.”
Martin Surl, police and crime commissioner for Gloucestershire said: “Young people, whether drivers or passengers, are among the most vulnerable. That is why it is imperative we take every opportunity and use any means available to educate them about the risks of getting behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.
“Helping our young people become responsible adults and promoting safe and social driving have been among my priorities from the first day I was elected and will remain so throughout my second term.”
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