Kids pour booze to learn dangers of drink-driving
YOUTHS in Bonymaen have been pouring shots of alcohol and driving off-road vehicles recklessly — with permission from police.
The alternative approach from officers is part of a scheme to teach children the importance of road safety and the dangers of drink-driving.
More than 70 year 10 and 11 pupils from Birchgrove and Cefn Hengoed comprehensive schools attended the multi-agency-run Mega Drive scheme project, organised by South Wales Police and Swansea Council.
A spokesman for the force said: "Each pupil had the opportunity to visit police stations where information was provided — from the affects of alcohol and using mobile phones to passing their practical test.
"There were hard-hitting messages being delivered by some agencies, in particular the road safety department from South Wales Police, and also ourselves."
Pupils were shown pictures of young people who had been involved in road traffic accidents and explained the affect on the families of victims.
They were also put through the roadside breath test to demonstrate how easy it was to be the over the drink-drive limit.
The Road Safety Team from Swansea Council showed pupils how alcohol affected judgement and co-ordination and pupils were asked to pour what they thought were single and double measures of spirits.
The police spokesman said: "Most of the pupils were very generously pouring triples, which they believed to be singles. The most exciting part of the day for pupils was when they were put to the test and got in a real car and took to the road, having to drive themselves around quite a challenging off-road track. They were faced with mini-roundabouts, hill starts, forestry tracks and HGV Lorries."
The event was funded by government scheme Justice Seen Justice Done and next year's event is already being planned.
sion.morgan@swwmedia.co.uk
5 Comments
by Roger Braintree, 72, Neath
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 2:58PM
“I agree that the situation is not helped by Welsh Heros not leading by example. It is a sad day when we need to look across the bridge for good role models for our young, I mean when was the last time you saw those lovely boys Ant and Dec driving on a golf buggy to get a toffee crisp?”
by Roger Braintree, 72, Neath
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 2:54PM
“Dont forget Rowland Phillips”
by Philip, Swansea
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 10:30AM
“All seems abit futile when 3 Welsh internatinals, Colin Charvis, JPR Williams and Andy Powell have all been in the news recently for drink-driving.”
by josams, eastside
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 10:10AM
“great to hear some positive, interesting and educational schemes being tried to address these issues, arm these kids with knowledge and the majority will make the right choices, but they need the RIGHT information and role models presented in the RIGHT way - good luck to everyone running and taking part in the scheme, lets hope it works”
by meirion, Swansea
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 9:07AM
“Lets hope it has a positive result and not end up with the youngsters getting a taste for either,”