The Mega Drive scheme was originally set up in Gwent in 1995 to address the very serious problem of young drivers being involved in a disproportionate number of road crashes, largely due to their inexperience. Mega Drive is delivered to college age students who will be planning on sitting their practical driving test in the not too distant future and may not be aware of all the potential hazards that come with driving on British roads.
Students participating in Mega Drive visit "interactive workstations" in groups of three where they learn vital information on driving related topics. These include:
- Hazard awareness
- Essential documents
- Crash causation
- Effects and consequences of drink and drugs
- Buying a new or second hand car
- What to do at the scene of a crash
Year after year the workstation that proves to be the most popular is when the students get the opportunity to get into the drivers seat. They are given the opportunity to drive around a special course whilst accompanied by an approved driving instructor. This often gives the students their first taste of what being behind the wheel is really like.
Mega Drive is held in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Ceredigion and Carmarthen. To check availability contact the on 01495 235078 or email roadsafety@caerphilly.gov.uk.