Bridgend drivers progress to second stage of young driver challenge

26 young people from the borough of Bridgend have been selected to take part in phase two of a Wales-wide young drivers’ initiative to reduce the number of young people killed or injured in car crashes on Welsh roads.

The Daewoo Bridgend Young Driver's Challenge has been organised by Bridgend County Borough Council, the police, the Road Safety Council of Wales and is supported by the Welsh Assembly. The event will take place on 25 and 26 March at Bridgend Daewoo, Bridgend Industrial Estate.

The youngsters, aged between 17 and 24, will be provided with practical help and advice during a free training day with specially trained driving instructors to build on their driving skills. Finalists who demonstrate the most improved driving skills will have two intensive driving lessons with an advanced driving examiner.

Eight finalists from around Wales will take part in the final challenge at Bridgend Police Headquarters on 27 June, where a full day of theory and practical driving tips will be provided by experienced police drivers. The successful challenge candidate will drive away in a new Daewoo Matiz (see pic above).

In 2002, more than 2,844 young people aged 17 and 24 were killed or injured in road crashes on Welsh roads.

For more information please contact Fay Mackie, talktous@bridgend.gov.uk, (01656) 643663.