Officers Drive LFC Youngsters To Score Top Points Behind The Wheel
Officers from Merseyside Police's Roads Policing Department met
with footballers from Liverpool Football Club to drive home road
safety messages.
The footballers, who are from LFC's youth and reserve teams,
were given presentations by officers on safe driving and took part
in driving demonstrations using impairment goggles to highlight the
affect of driving while under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.
Driving instructors from the Engage scheme and local road safety
officers also took part at the events at Liverpool FC Academy on
Tuesday (October 9) and Thursday (October 11).
Sergeant Paul Mountford said: "The aim of the two days was to
highlight the pitfalls and dangers faced by young drivers on our
roads and using Engage instructors to talk through the solutions to
the hazards.
"The footballers took part in driving exercises using impairment
goggles to demonstrate the affect alcohol and illegal substances
have on driving ability. They were given advice on common collision
factors such as distractions from passengers, fatigue, lack of
concentration, speeding and driving while under the influence of
drink or drugs and were also provided with legal information and an
explanation of Engage."
Engage is a ground-breaking safety initiative for learner
drivers which is supported by the police, fire service and local
councils because it teaches pupils things traditional driving
schools tend not to.
Learner drivers are educated about how to avoid being distracted
and influenced by passengers or other motorists, the dangers of
fatigue, speeding, alcohol and drugs, and the importance of
seatbelts.
Sgt Mountford added: "These are all factors that contribute to
people being killed and injured on the roads every year.
"Novice drivers going out on the roads for the first time after
passing their test have a lot to deal with and unfortunately one in
five have a collision within the first six months.
"The Engage scheme aims to reduce that risk by adding extra
training about how to deal with real life hazards so that as well
as learning how to pass their test, they also learn how to stay
safe on the road."