Sible Hedingham students accelerate road safety knowledge with intensive practical scenarios

Students in Sible Hedingham carefully negotiated their way around a series of driving scenarios as part of an intensive road safety course.

Designed to equip young drivers with crucial knowledge before getting behind the wheel of a car, Year 12 pupils at Hedingham School took part in six practical exercises on Tuesday.

During the Roadster programme, students considered the dangers of speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, passenger distractions, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the importance of wearing a seat belt.

Praising the scheme, which is run by Safer Essex Roads Partnership and Essex Highways, head of sixth form Rory Hyde said the interactive programme covered a wide range of scenarios and topics.

“It prepared students for looking after a car, how to carry out first aid techniques, safe driving and their responsibility, not just as drivers, but also as passengers,” he said.

Due to limited public transport in rural areas, Mr Hyde highlighted that there was a greater incentive for young people to learn to drive.