Momentum
RoSPA Report on the Momentum Programme
Momentum Dec 07
Road Saftey Awareness Day 08.09.06
Momentum Presentation 2006
Report by Andrew Murray
New Momentum Photo's
 
Pictured above are some of the 25 young people who successfully completed the Momentum Pre-Driving Programme. Road Safety Officer Kenny Maclennan spoke at the presentation about the importantance of the Momentum programme and its contribution to the continued decline in road traffic accidents in Lewis & Harris. The young people were presented their awards by Area Commander Philip MacRae. In the interest of road safety the young people presented him with a cycling helmet for his new hobby.
| With the Western Isles suffering a high number of fatalities
and serious injury due to road traffic accidents Lewis
and Harris Youth Clubs Association run "Momentum First
Gear" a nationally recognised pre-learner driving programme
for 16 - 18 year olds. The programme covers three main
themes of training - Behind the Wheel, Under the Bonnet
and In the Mind. This includes a listing of detailed aims,
objectives and expected outcomes. The programme is aimed
at young people who are anticipating taking formal driving
tuition within two years of undertaking the programme. |
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The programme challenges
young peoples attitude towards the car, car ownership
and car use. It provides participants with the correct
informatrion to help them become safe and responsible
road users. The programme also creates an opportunity
for participants to acquire the basic skills of driving
and car care.
There is comprehensive support material
to run the programme and a trainers 'Tool Kit' which
gives a step by step guide to the practicalities of delivering
a First Gear programme. Participants will take part in
30 hours of training which includes three hours of basic
driving tuition at the Safety Track by an approved driving
instructor. |
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Group work approach is used
to encourage young people to consider the full range
of issues surrounding the car and car ownership eg. Peer
group pressure the cars image, its impact on environment,
accidents, car crime and risk perception. The programme
also covers basic essential maintenance.
As the programme is for 30 hours per participant it
is run through the Lewis & Harris Youth Clubs Association
Scaladale Centre. This will allow participants to complete
the programme in two weekend residentials. Ongoing evaluation
will allow us to look at perfecting the programme to
include more local issues and the opportunity to attract
funding to ensure continuation of the programme. CNES
road safety department, Community safety partnership
and local Police support the programme and are involved
in the delivery. |
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