Young drivers take part in Bready challenge

The Public Health Agency's Health Improvement Team welcomed the Cross Border Young Drivers Challenge, a joint initiative supported by Limavady Road Safety Committee, Donegal County Council, Donegal Road Safety Working Group and the Emergency Services.

The event, which ran for the third consecutive year, was held last Tuesday at Bready Cricket Club.

Brendan Bonner, Head of Health and Social Well Being Improvement, welcomed the event, stating: "Addressing injury and loss of life on our roads remains a key priority for the Public Health Agency.

"In the past 10 years there has been a one third reduction in deaths on our roads.

"It is vital that we continue to reduce the risk for our younger drivers.

"Through this work in partnership with other agencies and the community we can make real changes by encouraging our young people to consider changing their lifestyle and behaviours"

The Cross Border Young Drivers Challenge targets 17-24 year olds from both sides of the border.

The initiative educates young drivers on a number of road safety issues and aims to reduce the number killed and seriously injured on our roads.

The day started with a written Highway Code test and students were also able to test their skills behind the wheel of a car.

Emergency Services brought first-hand experience to the event with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service providing a cut out demo at a road traffic collision scene which involved young participants as the casualties.

The Gransha-based Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Team (West) is part of the Public Health Agency.

For further information on the Cross Border Young Drivers Challenge, please contact Harry Rutherford, Limavady Road Safety Committee. He can be contacted on 07808 363 323.