Ballymena Academy, was the lucky winner of the New Driver NI £500 school draw!
Since September 2023, over 116 schools across Northern Ireland have participated in the Safe Motoring presentation, covering essential topics such as the theory and practical driving tests, buying a car, insurance, and staying safe on the road.
At the end of the presentation, students are encouraged to sign the New Driver NI Safe Motoring Pledge, in partnership with Share the Road to Zero. This pledge is sponsored by CRASH Services, Northern Ireland’s leading Accident Management company, and JMK Solicitors, NI’s Number 1 Personal Injury Solicitors, who both support the promotion of road safety and new driver education across NI.
For the 2023/24 academic year, more than 1,700 students in Northern Ireland have committed to safe motoring by signing the pledge. The pledge includes promises to respect speed limits, avoid using mobile devices while driving, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, always wear a seatbelt, and recognise the dangers of driving while tired.
Stephen Savage, from New Driver NI, expressed his delight in presenting Mr McLeister, Vice Principal of Ballymena Academy, with their prize, stating, “It is fantastic that so many schools throughout Northern Ireland are dedicated to educating their students on safe driving practices. We look forward to reaching even more schools and students in the next academic year to help create a community of safe drivers.”
Jonathan McKeown, Chairman of CRASH Services, shared his enthusiasm for supporting the New Driver Safety Ambassador, noting the critical importance of educating young people about safe motoring as they begin driving. He commended the advice and support that New Driver provides to students.
Maurece Hutchinson, Managing Director at JMK Solicitors, echoed this sentiment, emphasing the importance of the New Driver Safety Ambassadors’ work in educating new drivers. As specialists in personal injury cases, many of which result from road traffic accidents, JMK Solicitors recognise the significant impact of nurturing safe driving habits in young people.
New Driver NI is a community interest company dedicated to educating new drivers and passengers about making safe motoring decisions. They provide Year 13 and 14 students across Northern Ireland with a magazine filled with valuable information to help them get on the road and stay safe. Their tailored presentations in schools promote good road habits and invite students to sign the Safe Motoring Pledge.
This program is entirely free for schools, thanks to the funding from the DFI Road Safety Grant Scheme, six local PCSP’s’, and corporate sponsors including, CRASH Services, JMK Solicitors, Hankook Tyres, AB&C Insurance, and DriveTech UK.
