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0121 - 569 - 4270john_billington@sandwell.gov.ukwww.stars.sandwell.gov.uk

Thanks to:Sandwell College Automotive StudiesInsurance ConnectionsLearn and LiveLifesavers Driving SchoolDriving Standards AgencyBRAGDrugs Education TrainingFerrari

Buying POWER In Just One Week

get coveredCharlottes story

BELT UP

Motoring MISHAPS

under the bonnetMr Fixitlearning to drive

DRIVING on DRUGS >>Driving Theory Test

DRIVING WITH ATTITUDE>

> >

>

>

whatUsay

But heY...Buying a car is likechoosing a computer -everyone’s got some‘helpful advice’ that canland you in a whole loadof trouble...After checking

out the ads in

the paper

André is ready

to go.

And we sent

our panel of

experts

with him

just to see

how he

got on

when he went to look

for his first car...

Well it’s like this, André tired of waiting for buses decides that driving a car is

the life for him - he needs some wheels - and the rest of the car to go with

them. He’s just passed his test and he’s rarin’ to go. After all - why should he

spend his valuable time waiting for the number 86 when he could be freewheelin’,

cruisin’ and even reversing up his Mum’s dodgy drive? This will give him all the time

he needs to run his own multi - million dollar website auction business and always be

home in time from college to catch the Simpsons...

How’s thelad doing?Well he’s looking goodBrian - but some of thesekids when they go out tobuy a car - they have notgot A CLUE! - it’s not allbeer and skittles you know,and if I do have onecriticism it’s that he’s gonein underprepared - he’s hada quick look at the paperand now this guy is goingto try and sell him a realnail, a total rustbucket - andyou know Brian - I have afeeling that the lad mightjust fall for it...

This fella’s as cunning as abarrel full of monkeysand I expect to see some real argy bargy...

So without further ado let’s get to theaction...

Now take a look here at this scorchin', blingin' mean

machine - it’s tidy, neat and sweet. Just imaginecruisin' along in this baby. It’s simply phat and

awesome, awesome and phat. Take it from me itsa MONSTER!!! A real, genuine scorcher if

ever I saw one!

Oh dear, he looks well dodgy to me Brian - he’s set his

stall out and made a really strong start...Yes a real old pro - a veteran conmerchant - I think our lad’s in BIG

trouble here ...

Bemused, our hero has a look at the car...

...Now this is a dead giveaway Brian- the guy’s well into middle age andhe’s trying to baffle the lad with aload of youthspeak...

Sure thing - if there’s onething that makes me sick as aparrot it’s jargon...

Nice touch - he’s got the log bookout - he’s trying to blind Andréwith science...

How’s he coping Brian?Well he started well, really came out of

the blocks, well committed to thecause and took some shaking off.But then - well disaster struck - thesalesman moved in on his inside and

he’s telling him some right olecodswallop.

You’re so right Brian - you don’t let anold pro like that get too close...

Now here’s the paperwork kid - got to have

that - why without it someunscrupulous lowdown conman could

end sell you any old nail - and wewouldn’t want that now would we?

Eh Eh Eh???

He’s giving him the old one two - some of the oldesttricks in the book and he’s buying it hook, line and sinker- a real schoolboy error he should have told the guystraight - told him he wasn’t going to take that type ofhogwash and walked away.

This is a real test of the kid’s temperament, he’s heldfirm until now but he’s really under the spotlight now -this guy’s

reallypressing hardand trying toclose thedeal...

Now this is interesting - just take anotherlook at this - he’s moving in for the kill but

STOP - just a minute!!!!! André’sjust thought about what his

girlfriend might say. If hebuys this car she’ll probablygo absolutely mental - Iknow I wouldn’t want toupset her...

Hee Hee Hee the lad’sUNQUESTIONABLY

discombobulated -totally polaxed -

he just doesn’tknow what to

do!...

What will André do?find out overleaf....

These cars are MASSIVE on the

inside and somehow small on the outside - so you can park ‘em

anywhere... It’s WIN, WIN all the way!!!

Ten key pointS . . .1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

10 t

ips F

OR w

hen y

ou b

uy a

car

for more tips on buying a car visit www.theaa.com and go to ‘car buyers guide’

also try www.rac.co.uk/carbuying

The next few minutesare critical, can ourboy hang on?....

The salesman’s lookingat his watch....

He’s looking toclose the deal...

...this is themoment of truth,André’s still hangingon... he’s thinking...

YES!! YES!!! YES!!!!It’s all over! ANDRÉ’S WALKED AWAY -

he’s shown him a clean pair of heels - Whata triumph - GOOD LAD GOOOD LAAAD...I can tell you I’m OVER THE MOON!!!!

The Salesman - he’s absolutely shattered,frantic, madder than a wet hen and sick

as a parrot.I couldn’t be happier for the lad - he lives tofight another day - but hey - it won’t be long

before some sap turns up to buy that oldrust bucket...

AND IT COULD BE YOU

SPOTListen out for some of these all-timeclassics when you go looking for a car...

■ All engines are covered with oil.

■ You soon get used to thatgraunching sound.

■ There’s a bit of an art to gettingit started.

■ Small details like a brokenwindscreen, 4 bald tyres and anexhaust that’s dropping off wouldbother a lesser man - but you’re a manof the world like me - and you knowwhen you’re on to a good thing.

■ This car’s a real individual (it doesn’twork at all).

THE WHOPPERS

THREE’S ACROWD

Young Drivers are twice as

likely to die when carrying

passengers their own age

It’s a fact thatyoung driversare involved inthe mostaccidents. Here’s whathappened injust a few shortdays. Theywere fairlytypical -nothingunusual - thetruth is thatyoung driversare being killedin theirthousandsacross theworld. We’re notsaying who, ifanyone, was toblame in eachcase. We’resimplyrecording thefacts as thepress reportedthem. Thoseinvolvedprobablythought that itcould neverhappen tothem...

Sunday 4.30pm In another accident, a 32-year-old man was killed after he steppedout of his own parked car into the path of a Vauxhall Corsa driven by a 17-year -old driver. The driver wasshocked but unhurt.

Saturday 11.40pm A white hatchback overturnedin the early hours just three weeks after a pregnant 21- year - old waskilled when a car mounted the pavement at almost the same spot.

Saturday 11.10am The passenger killed in a head on crashdied just hours before he was due to fly off on holiday. He had got engaged tohis girlfriend only a few weeks previously and police have described his death as“tragic.” A spokesman at the University he attended said “He was a very hard-working student and we expected him to do very well on his course. Ourthoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Friday 10.00pm A 20-year-old mandied after the car he was driving collided with a treeand then smashed into a lamp post. Emergency serviceswere called to the scene and he was taken to hospitalwith suspected neck injuries where he later died.

Wednesday 10 .00amAn inquest heard how a 24-year-old woman died from multipleinjuries after her car catapulted in the air following anaccident. The driver who was unconscious, had to be cut from thewreckage by firefighters. She was taken to the Hospital,where she later died.

Monday 9.30am The 25 year-old sole survivor of a motorwayaccident that killed her sister and two cousins prior to a birthday celebration said “We wereinviting family and friends and had booked a hall and a DJ. Now we will be gatheringfor a funeral instead.”

Wednesday 3.00pm On the same dayanother inquest was told about a woman who was killed after hercar left the road in icy conditions and hit a tree. She was thrownfrom the vehicle and diedat the scene. Thursday 11.0amA police sergeant in Australia spoke out after another

fatality: "The car was basically shattered after colliding with several trees. We found the exhaust ofthe car more than 100 metres away from where the vehicle came to rest. Both of the deceased werethrown clear of the vehicle in the accident. Too often we are attending these kinds of accident andfinding dead young men. They seem to think that they are invincible in these kinds of cars," hesaid. "When you get the call to attend these things you just think 'what a waste'."

Tuesday 12.00am A 21 year old woman whose car had collided with and killed

a two year old child when he ran out into a road to retrieve a ball cried as she explained to the

Coroner’s court: "All I remember was driving down the road, I saw something dart out from the

side of the road, but I only knew it was a child after I had hit him. I ran over and picked him up. I

think he was already dead." She had been driving at only 26 mph. A verdict of accidental death

was recorded.

Sunday 2.10am Four men were taken to hospital following an incidentwhen their car was involved in a multiple road accident. None were suffering from lifethreatening injuries. The 17-year-old driver was charged with driving with excess alcohol.

Saturday 3.20amAn 18-year-old man died when his car veeredoff the road and smashed into two brickgateposts.

Sunday 6.30pm Marked the laying of dozens offloral tributes at the scene of a tragic road smash. A 21 year old driver,died when his VW Golf hit two trees and burst into flames. Followingthe accident his family said: “He was a special young man, full of life.That such a promising future should have been snatched away sotragically and unexpectedly just a few weeks after his 21st birthday isvery hard for our family to come to terms with.”

A 23-year-old man was charged with failing to stop after a road accident and driving whiledisqualified. A 14 year-old passenger suffered multiple injuries after the car careered off the road andspun over four times after hitting a kerb. A police spokesman said: “One of the passengers describedthe speed they were going as 'ridiculously fast'”.

Saturday 3.50pm

So, after looking at that

dodgy car André decides

it would be a good

idea to sort out some

insurance first.

Don’t read on if you are

easily shocked......

Ok, so you’ve just passed

your test and you’ve got the

piece of paper to prove it.

But hold on there, just

because you’ve passed

doesn’t mean you are the

perfect driver. In fact you are

9 times more likely to have an

accident than someone twice

your age.

Getting insurance for yourdream car can be far from easy. Start by contacting a broker or insurance company

who specialise in young/inexperienced drivers as

you are not everyone's flavour of the month.

This can be done via recommendations, fromadverts or from the internet.

Be sure to discuss your circumstances and

requirements and have everything explained fully.

Whenever possible it’s best to geteverything in writing. It’s vital to get the info right at this stage so that

you don’t have any problems if you have to claim.

It may be possible to get insurance onyour mum or dad’s policy. There’snothing wrong with this as long as theinsurance company have been giventhe full facts.

You must be insured for any car that youdrive. If you are the main user of the carbut not the owner, make sure that theinsurance company are aware of this andit’s stated on the proposal form. Remember if you mislead an insurancecompany to obtain cheaper insuranceit’s not only a criminal offence but willalso wipe out any claim you mightmake later.

Cheapest is not always the best but thereare legit ways of keeping your costs down:

■ Restrict driving to yourself or atworst you and your parents.

■ If you have a cheap car consider theadvantages of a Third party, fire and theftpolicy - this means that you are coveredfor any damage you cause to anothervehicle but not for any to your own car.Fully Comprehensive means that your ownvehicle is also covered.

■ Have your advisor look at largerexcesses (this is the amount youpay/contribute in the event of a claim).

■ Consider carefully your choice of car asall vehicles have a group rating between 1and 20 with the higher groups attractingthe higher premiums.

■ Young/inexperienced drivers shouldlimit themselves to group 1 to 6wherever possible and never, ever partwith any money for a car withoutchecking the group first.

■ Finally, insurance companies lookfavourably on drivers who have completedthe Pass Plus course. At the end of the sixdriving modules you will receive a PassPlus certificate which is great but not half

By law everyone who uses avehicle on UK roads isrequired to have a motorinsurance policy.FACT

FACTAs a young and inexperienced driver you will payloads more lolly to insure your motor than youraverage punter - but don’t despair, by following afew rules and acting responsibly you can soonreduce your premium.FACT

FACT

So, after looking at that

dodgy car André decides

it would be a good

idea to sort out some

insurance first.

Don’t read on if you are

easily shocked......

The first 2 years after passing the driving

test are lethal! Over a thousand young lives

are lost each year on UK roads. Novice

drivers form only 7% of the driving

population but have 12% of the injury

accidents. Research also shows that

accident liability is reduced by nearly half

after 2 years' driving experience.

WHY display 'P'PLATES?

They show other road users you’re new on

the road and most people will give you a

bit more time and consideration.

www.learnandlive.org.uk

PWhy ‘P’Plates?

Learning to drive?

Just passed your driving test?

Looking for the best possibleinsurance for you and your car?

17-2-24 insurance provide thefriendliest service around for

the under-25's.

Just call and we'll talk to you!

For more info check out ourwebsite at:

www.17-2-24.co.ukor call

08 0800 17 2 24

LOOKING FORINSURANCE?

CHECK OUTYOUR DRIVINGATTITUDE WITH THIS BRAINBOILINGQUESTIONNAIRE!

CHECK OUTYOUR DRIVINGATTITUDE WITH THIS BRAINBOILINGQUESTIONNAIRE!

1 As you aredriving

merrily along youbecome aware ofsomeone who istrying to keep pace with you. As he pullsup at the lights he catches your eye,raises one eyebrow and revs his engine.He obviously fancies his chances,

Do you...

a. Smile quizzically and completely ignorehim, allowing him to make a prat ofhimself by zooming off atthe lights

b. Act like a brainless wonder andrisk killing yourself by racing him

c. Get out of the car before he has timeto set off and exclaim ”What’s yourgame mate??!!”

a. Yes you’ve already won the mind games with him -made him look small - the inadequate loser he reallyis - shown his utter worthlessness in the horrible coldlight of day

b. Well if you really would do that - and some would,then you’re off your rocker and simply not fit todrive a car

c. Ooooh - shouldn’t do that - don’t want to be givingthe nice police lady a description of the nasty manwho demolished half your teeth now do we?

2 An old guy is tootling along at 20in a 40 area, it’s driving you mad, sowhat do you do?????

a. Get right up his back and shout“Move it Grandad!” OR WORSE???

b. Back off cos you don’t want topanic him and possibly causean accident

c. Get out and push him - as it willprobably double his speed

a. Can I tell you a story? There was once a pooryoung man and on his 18th birthday his grandadbought him a brand new BMW. He absolutely loved itand drove everywhere in it. Now you can imagine hisrage when he was bombing down a country lanewhen he was held up by an old fogey doing 20 - wellwhen he got the chance he drove him off the roadand gave him such a mouthful that would have madeEminem blush - well what a shock when he looked atthe old man to see with horror it was his very owngrandad who just looked back at him with his eyesfull of reproachful tears. Well hey yes the story is acomplete load of lies which I just made up but heyjust back off the old guy - he’s doing his best.

b. Well done - smooth answer. I predict great thingsfor you - an international film career, a string of bestselling, kickin’ no 1’s and well at least a clean drivinglicence which can’t be bad...

c. Look there’s only room for one funnyguy round here - Me - so quit withthe clever answers and get onwith the next question...

3 You are drivingand you have four

mates in your car.Do you...

a. Go berserk to impress themand race anyone and everyone, riskingall of your lives

b. Pump up the tunes and If you arehonest with yourself you drive a bitfaster and take more chance thanyou would normally

c. Keep cool and put on an amazingwell controlled display of yourdriving ability

a. Well if you do that you are definitely risking all yourlives - cars full of young people are dying all the timeacross the world - don’t be one of them...

b. Well that’s what causesmany fatal accidents - sometimesa small mistake can lead to tragedy - so don’t letother people stop you concentrating

c. Our survey says “DING!” - RIGHT first time you ole’smoothy

4 You are parked up on the streetwaiting for someone -

what do you do?

a. Whip on your shades and playthumping house music with thewindow down

b. Give a demonstration of handbraketurns to a group of admiringawestruck 13 year olds

c. Just sit there and look cool

a. Well you’re not being a danger to anyone - apartfrom yourself and really you ought to be locked up

for your taste in music - look if you must listen to thatsort of thing keep it to yourself - don’t make the restof us suffer.

b. That’s rather sad isn’t it sir (or madam) doinganything in a car to impress others is a sure fire wayto end up wrecking your car - or worse

c. Cha Ching! Give yourself an A✷ in the college ofcool smoothness...

5 Your driving instructor always toldyou not to brake so hard all the

time, Do you...

a. Forget his “helpful advice” what didhe know anyway the dimhalf-witted loser!

b. Must remember tobrake gently...Must remember tobrake gently...sigh...

c. Driving lessons -who needs em?

a. What’s the big idea uh? Most people get too confidenta few months after their test - and that’s when theaccidents happen.

b. Ah music to my ears - remembering good advice is amust for any half - decent driver

c. Well you for a start! - no-one is born a good driver -you have to learn...so come on and get with theprogramme!

6 You are driving along when youaccidentally cut someone up - as you

look up they give you a mouthful and HEY!he’s just gesticulated in a most unfriendlymanner and he’s pointing straight at YOU!What do you do?

a Return the compliment - withadded interest

b Ignore him and stay cool - “he’s not worthit!” (as they say in all the bestcheesy American blockbusters)

c Get out of the car and teach him alesson he’ll “never forget”

a. Mmm - never a good idea to start thissort of thing, firstly it means taking youreyes off the road for a split second and itdoesn’t really win you the argument if youtotal your car mid - gesture. The otherthing to realise is that there are some realwackos out there - and we wouldn’twant to give them the satisfaction ofremoving our rear heated windscreenwith their car jack now would we?

b. Hey what’s cooler than being cool? ICE COLD - that’swhat you need when you’re driving - it sure is the onlyway to do it. If you get all excited about it then you’re infor XXXL size trouble...But anyway congrats on your answer - you really are agreat guy/gal (delete as applicable)

c. It’s people like you that really make me MADD There’snowt worse than seeing people jump out of their cars -they’re just an embarrassmentBesides he could be the new light superweight GB allcomers Karate/ Kickboxing and granny chuckingchampion - ughh nasty...Some people have indeed ended up getting run down inthese situations - so come on be a man about it andworry about what you’re doing on the road

7 When you buy a new car are youimpressed by:

a. Ultraswoopy alloys and a kickin’loud exhaustb. A wickedly funny, semi - obscenesticker in the back windowc. Its general appearance androadworthinessa. Well they might look Ok but not wanting to spoil the funthey are good for nothing and about as much use as achocolate fireguard on an 18 - 30’s holiday- but hey - if

you like them I’m not going to stand in your way -especially the way you drive!

b. Y’What?! That just shows no consideration for othersand a dodgy way of picking your car. Anyway - carstickers are so last Tuesday morning - and we’ve seenthem all - yawn...

c. Hot ziggety!!! Well said - I hail your considerable genius,good taste and stupendous intellect!

8 You drive up to the McDonald’s drive-through. Do you:

a. Put your cap on backwards, keep theole’ engine revvin’ and shout your order

b. Order two happy meals and ask forsome fascinating Ronald McDonald trivia

c. Just get on with it and look whereyou’re going

a. You are a disgrace to the take away fraternity - and ifyou arrive everywhere in your car like you’ve just landedthe lunar space shuttle, then it says something about yourapproach to driving - sorry simply just not good enough

b. You have chosen the wacky option because you arewitty, goofy, frequent charity shops and are into anobscure band from 1972 that none of your mates haveheard of. Like your style - but just stay calm withthe old driving eh?

c. Yowsa! You are to driving what Ronaldo is tothe crazy world of international footy

9 You take your mobile out withyou in the car. Do you:

a. Talk on the phone and drive onehanded

b. Use a hands free kit

c. Switch the rotten thing off for once

a. For a start that makes you a grade one poseur - let’sface it - no-one wants to speak to you that badly - and weall know you haven’t had any e mails since last Tuesday -so switch the thing off. And more importantly It’s illegal tospeak on a hand held phone whilst you’re driving

b. Ah yes - the old hands free kit - well it’s certainly legaland much safer than hand held - but it’s not totally safe asit’s a major distraction to your driving

c. Fantabulosa, amazing, breathtaking and well...exactlyright - you’re certainly not as stupid as you look

10 When you park do you:

a. Slam it over the kerb at an angle andthrow the door open

b. Park on the double yellows in order to“stick it to the man”

c. Well just park it properly I suppose

a. Definitely not a great idea - firstly you’ll wreck yourtyres and hey - you’re only parking the car not tacklingthat bald guy out of the highly unlikely trilogy “The Matrix”

b. This looks mean until a zealous traffic warden moves infor the kill and decorates your pride and joy with a realscorcheroonie of a £40 parking charge - and yes indeedythey are everywhere - just waiting in the shadows tochristen your car.

c. “Mirror signal manoeuvre” and yes calmly pull into thespace - just perfect, music to my ears - sorted, respectand three rounds of ‘for he’s a jolly good fellow’

>>>>>>

Charlo

tte

Heat

h is

sev

ente

en.

She

help

s run

a group

called B

RAG.

She’s

got

more

rea

son

to b

e in

volv

ed t

han

most

...

It’s a shockingfact that threeyoung driversand theirpassengers dieon our roadsevery day.That might notmean much toyou, but if ithappened tosomeone youknow...Charlotte Heath has beeninvolved in BRAG, Bexley RoadSafety Action Group, for threeyears after a tragic accidentinvolving her brother, Adam.

Adam, who was 18 at the time, hadbeen driving for just four months.A quick trip down to the pub to pick upsome friends resulted in a tragicaccident which claimed his life and thelives of his four passengers. Three yearslater Adam’s sister, Charlotte, explainswhat happened...

“He was basically just a lovely 18 yearboy who loved football and cricket.He played football for local teams sincehe was little and he really enjoyed that.He supported West Ham; that's ourfamily team. He really enjoyed time withhis family. He was very close to us alland saw us a lot. He liked going outwith his friends and girlfriend. He leftschool when he was 16 and got an officejob. His real ambition was to be a nurse.

“Obviously he was interested in his car.He hadn’t been driving very long; onlyabout 4 months. He got a new Metrotwo weeks before the accident.”

“The funeral was about 10 days after the accident and thatwas really a special day. As his little sister, I never realisedthe amount of people that he knew and people he'daffected. An amazing amount of people came, like friends,people from his primary school. He worked for a parcelcompany, answering phones, and one card said that hisvoice would be missed around the world.

“That really hit me because it was true. He was talking topeople around the world. It was mind-blowing to see howmany people my brother knew or had affected in someway. The sad thing was it wasn’t just him, but four other

boys as well, each with their own separate life. It justshows the amount of impact just one accident can haveon so many people.”

It wasn’t long before Charlotte realised that the type ofaccident that had claimed her brother’s life was alltoo common.

She decided to do something about it and joined BRAG -Bexley Road Action Group - a bunch of young people whowere committed to cutting the appalling number ofaccidents in which young drivers are involved.

“First of all, it was a bit nerve-racking as the other peoplehad been before so they knew what was going on.Then I went to a few meetings and I learnt more of whatBRAG was all about. I became more and more involvedin everything they did and last year I becameCo-Chair Person.

“We want to promote the idea of safer driving and want tochange the attitudes of young people with cars. Showthem there is no need for them to be driving too fast.

“We've been looking at peer pressure for the past coupleof years and how to deal with it; when you get into a car,

how to say to someone "slow down" or "put your seatbelt on."

You will be the stronger person to do that.

“Even if you don’t think about yourself - What if your friendwas in the car or your girlfriend, or a child ran out into theroad? It’s never just your own life you’re putting at riskwhen you are driving unsafely. You're putting people youcare about and everyone around you in danger as well.”

>>>>>> One card said that his voice wouldbe missed around the world

“Adam was at home one eveningwith his girlfriend, when hisfriends rang to see if he could pickthem up. He went to collect themin the Metro at about 10 o'clockfrom a pub in Bexley Heath.Adam approached a mini -roundabout too quickly andcollided with a bus that wastravelling in the oppositedirection.”Charlotte adds; “I know for sure that on the night of the accident he wasn'tbeing careless with his friends in the car and it was proven that he hadn'tbeing drinking.“Four of the boys, including my brother, were pronounced dead on thescene and one boy was pronounced dead a day later having been on alife support machine.

“I was at home asleep, and I woke up in the morning about 3 o'clock.Me and my other brother, Patrick, had both woken up and we bothheard crying downstairs. It seemed a bit strange but I just said to mybrother to go back to bed and we will see what happens inthe morning.

“My dad came and woke us up at half past six and I thought he waswaking me up to go to school. He took me downstairs where mymum was sitting and just sat us down and told us whathad happened.

“The four boys that were with him were Adam's friends so we alsoknew them. The next day friends and family were coming round,and a lot of Press were outside the door. It was quite a surrealday. I felt like a bit of a zombie, too much was going on, it'shard to remember.

“I was 13 at the time so it was very hard to carry on, justdoing normal things, even going out the house or watchingtelly. “I didn't want to be in the house I was born inbecause it’s where I grew up with Adam. And thememories were always there to upset me. So my wayof coping was to go back to school 5 daysafterwards. I just needed a bit of normality as itwas very hard. But all I could do was try my best.Obviously it was hitting Mum, Dad and my brother,Patrick as well, I tried my best to stay as strong aspossible for them and for everyone, of course.Although it wasn’t easy to do.

if only...

one of us had said slow down

you’re too young to diewise up and speak up while you can

www.brag.org.uk

Topic: Most accidents involving youngdrivers have remarkably similar causes -ie. a young man with a car full, driving toofast and not considering theconsequences of his actions. Young menare definitely the worst drivers on theroad and the consequences of theiractions are all too often catastrophic...

Look. Not all 17 yr old males are boy racers! Ipassed my test first time, got a pass-plus firsttime and DO NOT drive above the speed limitbecause I see no point.

I believe that the roads would be saferwithout the young 'boy racers'.

The government should raise the minimumage of driving on a provisional licence to 20and raise the test age to 21.

As a 'young person', I think the issue of raisingthe legal driving age up to 21 is a bit of anextreme action. Whether you are 17, or 57.....anyone who has recently acquired their licencewill tell you that it is a HARD enough processALREADY! With large licence fee's, 2 difficulttests, and ridiculous insurance premiums....Raising the legal driving age will achievenothing constructive.

Topic: It would be better if young driversunder 25 or for the first 5 years afterpassing test were restricted to drivingonly cars of 1000cc or less. Also, modifications or tuning to improveperformance should be restricted...

Why should we have to put up with that? Young drivers are not necessarily bad drivers.Why should the majority have to suffer thestupidity of the minority?

I find it frightening that some parents who havehigh performance powerful cars let their sonsdrive them - it's an accident waiting to happen.

These kids should only be allowed to drivenissan micras for the first two years - thatshould calm them down a bit...

I'm learning to drive in a HUGE 1.4(!) injectionSMALL car. Some say that having a car that cango fast when you're just 17 is not a good idea, andI agree, but... I don't drive like a loon!

I know that premiums for young drivers are high (Ihave first hand experience!), but as extortionateas they are, you can still get them down.

Prove you are not a bad driver by getting a PassPlus, it's only 6 more lessons and it saves you ATLEAST 20 - 30% on premiums!

Topic: Have just read the followingcomments from an American Doctor: "Almost all high school and collegestudents do not get enough sleep. Theyare at risk of a number of seriousconsequences, including poorperformance at school, increasedincidence of automobile accidents,increased moodiness and increased use ofstimulants and alcohol"...

I find this offensive and extremelystereotypical. I am 19 and have been drivingfor nearly 2 years.

I go to bed at 9.30 every night so that I am upfor work at 6.30 the next morning. I onlydrink water and the only stimulants I know ofare tea and coffee which give me a head-ache.

Please stop generalising "Young People" as good-for-nothing slobs who stay out late and consume alcoholand take drugs. This is not always the case.

I must confess - I'm 22 and would never drink anddrive. Don't see much point.. however I do have afew friends who do. Many of them will 'just have afew' and then drive home. They would be over thelimit if stopped but perhaps not too drunk to beincapable of walking in a straight line. Obviously weall know that just a bit of alcohol effects your drivingand therefore they are being extremely irresposible.Once again its the childish mentality of "it will neverhappen to me....!"

I know a few people who will go out on anall night bender. Get a taxi back and thenDRIVE to work at 8 the next morning.

I regularly have to drive home late at nightbecause of my job. Some of the driving Isee is shocking - speeding, drivingthrough red lights - the lot. I'm also fed upof driving past drunk pedestrians wholook like they're about to fall into themiddle of the road.

Topic: It's great to love cars and music butin my book someone becomes a “Boyracer” when they go tearing roundhousing estates with no concern forothers, push one finger up at anyone whomakes a mistake, race to beat the lightsetc - in other words they are completelyselfish and only care about themselves.Ultimately it could be someone else whopays with their life for their actions. . .

Boy Racers are the people who become amenace to society. They have no respect forothers and it will be an innocent person whopays for the stupidity, not the boy racersthemselves.

It's such a shame that other drivers sufferas a result ie - High Insurance premiums,dangerous roads etc.

I consider a boy racer as a 'yob' with a setof wheels. They drive the way they are asa person: Intimidating, Have NO respect, Break rules ALL THE TIME, Constantly showing off, Probably wears a baseball cap at auniform angle.

Sadly, most boy racers fall under thecategory of 'young and male'. So do I. But I drive safely. Does this make me a boy racer? I rest my case.

I feel I must leave a comment. Justto say I think Boys and Carsgenerally are a bad combination.

Seriously I think everyone on the roads justneeds to slow down, calm down and chill outjust a little. If everyone did this just a tinybit, the roads would be safer.

The Driving Theory TestAnswers...The driving test consists of the theory, the

hazard perception and practical tests. To geta full driving licence you must pass all parts.Here are some real questions from the theorytest - to check out your knowledge andattitudes to driving. You can buy the book“the official theory test for car drivers” if youwant to work through all the questions

1 Mark one answer

You could use the Two-Second Rule...before restarting the engine after ithas stalledto keep a safe gap from the vehiclein frontbefore using the 'Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre' routinewhen emerging on wet roads

2 Mark one answer

Which age group of drivers is most likely tobe involved in a road accident?

36 to 45-year-olds55-year-olds and over46 to 55-year-olds17 to 25-year-olds

3 Mark one answer

You are following a car driven by an elderlydriver. You should...

expect the driver to drive badly flash your lights and overtakebe aware that the drivers reactions maynot be as fast as yoursstay very close behind but be careful

4 Mark one answer

What does this sign mean?No parking No road markingsNo through road No entry

5 Mark one answer

What does this sign mean?Bend to the rightRoad on the right closedNo traffic from the rightNo right turn

6 Mark two answers

To supervise a learner driver you must...have held a full licence for at least3 yearsbe at least 21be an approved driving instructorhold an advanced driving certificate

7 Mark one answer

What is the national speed limit onmotorways for cars and motorcycles?

30 mph50 mph60 mph70 mph

8 Mark one answer

You see two elderly pedestrians about tocross the road ahead. You should...

expect them to wait for you to passspeed up to get past them quicklystop and wave them across the roadbe careful, they may misjudge your speed

9 Mark one answer

What does this traffic sign mean?No overtaking allowed Give priority to oncoming traffic Two way traffic One-way traffic only

10 Mark one answer

You are travelling at the legal speed limit.A vehicle comes up quickly behind, flashingits headlights. You should...

accelerate to make a gap behind youtouch the brakes sharply to show your brake lightsmaintain your speed to prevent the vehicle from overtakingallow the vehicle to overtake

1. To keep a safe gap from thevehicle in front.

To measure this, choose a fixed referencepoint such as a bridge, sign or tree. When thevehicle ahead passes the object, say toyourself 'Only a fool breaks the two-secondrule.' If you reach the object before youfinish saying this, you're TOO CLOSE.

2. 17 to 25-year-olds.

Statistics show that if you're a driverbetween the ages of 17 and 25 you're morelikely to be involved in a road accident thanany other age group. There are severalreasons contributing to this, but in most casesaccidents are due to driver error.

3. Be aware that the driver'sreactions may not be as fast as yours.

You must show consideration to other roadusers. The reactions of older drivers may beslower and they might need more time todeal with a situation. Be tolerant and don'tlose patience or show your annoyance.

4. No entry.

'No entry' signs are used in places such asone-way streets to prevent vehicles drivingagainst the traffic. To ignore one would bedangerous, both for yourself and other roadusers, as well as being against the law.

5. No right turn.The 'no right turn' sign may be used to warnroad users that there is a 'no entry'prohibition on a road to the right ahead.

6. Have held a full licence for at

least 3 years. Be at least 21.Don't just take someone's word that they arequalified to supervise you. The person whosits alongside you while you are learningshould be a responsible adult and anexperienced driver.

7. 70 mph.Travelling at the national speed limit doesn'tallow you to hog the right-hand lane. Alwaysuse the left-hand lane whenever possible.When leaving the motorway, always adjustyour speed in good time to deal with■ bends or curves on the slip road■ traffic queuing at roundabouts.

8. Be careful, they may misjudgeyour speed. Elderly people haveimpaired.

■ hearing■ vision■ concentration■ judgement

They may also walk slowly and so could takea long time to cross the road.

9. Give priority to oncomingtraffic.Priority signs are normally shown where theroad is narrow and there isn't enough roomfor two vehicles to pass, such as at

■ a narrow bridge■ roadworks■ a width restriction.

Make sure that you know who has priority.Comply with the sign and don't force yourway through. Show courtesy andconsideration to other road users.

10. Allow the vehicle to overtake.Don’t enforce the speed limit by blockinganother vehicles progress. This will only leadto the other driver becoming morefrustrated. Allow the other vehicle to passwhen you can do so safely.

Reproduced with the kind permission of theDriving Standards Agency.

But getting behind the wheel aftertaking street drugs such as cannabis,ecstasy or ketamine could be just asdangerous - and all the indications arethat it's becoming more and morecommon. Research for the motoringorganisation the RAC found that youngpeople in the UK are now twice aslikely to be driven by someone 'high'on drugs as someone over the limitfor alcohol.

For some people it's become aneveryday activity. Steve, 19, fromCardiff admits to 'drug driving' on aregular basis:

"For me and my mates smoking(cannabis) is just what we do. It's likea way of life. When I get into my carstoned I don't ever think 'this mightbe dangerous'."

But the rising number of road deathscaused by 'drug driving' shows justhow dangerous it can be. The Policenow estimate that the numbers ofpeople driving while on drugs hasincreased 400% in the last decade,and that a quarter of drivers killed onthe roads were under the influence ofdrugs at the time of the accident.

Street drugs like cannabis, speed,

cocaine or heroin can have a seriousaffect on your driving ability. Cannabiscan distort your perception of time anddistance between objects, heroin candrastically slow down your reactiontimes, and even a couple ofmushrooms could lead to distortedvision or hallucinations - not reallywhat you want when operating acomplicated piece of machinery andtrying to guide it through the busyroads of your local town.

Sarah, 18, from Birmingham,remembers the first time she droveafter taking 'magic' mushroomsand cannabis:

"I needed to get back home and didn'treally think twice about driving, eventhough I was pretty much out of it. Atone point I realised that I was drivingalong the white line in the middle ofthe road just to reassure myself that Iwasn't going to go up on to thepavement. I can't believe how stupid Iwas to drive in that state. It's amazingthat I got home in one piece."

Over the last twenty years hundreds ofthousands of motorists have beenconvicted of 'drink driving'. With thehelp of the breathalyser, policeofficers have been able to easily detect

those who are breaking the law.Concern over the increasing numbersof 'drug drivers' has now led to thepolice introducing tests to detect thosedriving under the influence of drugs.Across the UK police officers are beingtrained on the use of so- called driving'impairment' tests. The roadsideexamination includes various checksof a person's co-ordination skills, anexamination of the size of the driver'spupils, and an assessment of thedriver's perception of time passing.The tests are all designed to indicatewhether the driver is under theinfluence of drugs, to the extent thattheir driving ability is impaired.

In addition to these roadside'impairment' testing procedures thepolice have just been given the powersto use a so-called 'drugalyser' deviceon drivers they suspect of being underthe influence of drugs. Police willknow immediately of any drugs thedriver may have taken. If the test ispositive, it is repeated at a policestation in the same way as it is foralcohol. This means that anyonedriving while under the influence ofdrugs now stands a far greater chanceof getting caught and prosecuted. Thepenalties for 'drug driving' are exactlythe same as those for 'drink driving'.You face a minimum one year drivingban, a fine of up to £5,000, and sixmonths jail.

The bottom line is that if you driveafter taking drugs you may not only beputting yourself and others at danger -but you also stand the chance ofprosecution, losing your licence andmaybe a prison sentence.

Is it really worth the risk?

If you are concerned about any issuesto do with drugs you can ring the'Frank' helpline at any time on 0800776600. the helpline offers free,confidential advice and informationon drugs 24 hours a day.

Or visit: www.talktofrank.com

We are all familiar with the dangers ofdriving after having a few drinks. Alcoholaffects your co-ordination, makes you dostupid things - most of us realise nowthat you shouldn't drive after drinking

CANNABIS: Smoking or eating cannabis has thefollowing effects on your drivingskills and your ability to drive safely:■ Slower reaction timesand sleepiness■ Impaired steering control andco-ordination■ Distorted perception, poorconcentration and short termmemory loss.Remember that cannabis can bedetected in urine for up tofour weeks.

COCAINE: ■ Over confidence and increasedrisk taking■ Distorted perception■ Erractic behaviour and paranoia■ Falling asleep at the wheel as thestimulant effects wear off.

OPIATES: Heroin and medicinal opiates suchas codeine have different effects andvary in their intensity.Opiates generally have a sedativeeffect, making users:■ Drowsy and less alert.■ Dulled perception.■ Impaired co-ordination.■ For heroin users, withdrawalsymptoms such as nausea andcramps can be experienced a fewhours after use and these severelyaffect driving ability.

ECSTASY:■ Distorted perception andconfusion.■ Blurred vision.■ Anxiety and paranoia.■ Nausea■ Increased risk taking and overconfidence■ Often users experience severetiredness and fatigue thefollowing day.

HOW DRUGS CAN AFFECT YOUR DRIVING

TWICE ASLIKELY

Young people are twice as likely to be driven by someone ‘high’ on drugs as

someone over the limit for alcohol

■ You will have theability to drive and it’sreally just a case offinding the rightcoach to nurture youindividually, buteveryone’s different,no two people learnthe same way. Itsup to the drivinginstructor toestablish what a

pupil needs beforethey can write theprescription. Tome questions andanswers at the

beginning are veryimportant toestablish where a

person’s at and to takeit on from there. A lot of

pupils will get up to 4thgear on their first lessonwhen they’ve never drivenbefore.

■ People have first got tounderstand that driving is

like studying any subject, you have to learn everything in order, sothat when you need that information, it’s there.

■ A good driving instructor won’t shout at pupils. I know I wouldn’tlearn by having someone threatening me and shouting. At everylesson there’s always something to praise a pupil for. I always wantyou to focus on the good part.

■ You’ve got to be positive, because at the end of the day, if youthink negatively, you will be nervous, and if you are nervous on theroad you will be dangerous. You should be that confident that youcould put your friends and family in that vehicle and drive safely. Iwant them to be ready to go on the roads.

■ There are a lot of myths surrounding the driving test - we’ve allheard the “no-one passes on a Tuesday afternoon” or there are onlyso many allowed to pass in one day. A lot of their friends might havetold them something, so its a case of putting a lot of their fears torest. But the test is really all down to merit - it’s about what you doon that day.

■ You find the girls are a little bit more receptive because they will sitdown and listen to what you have to say, the lads tend to want toget going - it’s all “come on lets turn the key, lets get moving! But Idon’t know where the brakes are yet!”

■ Before my firstdriving lesson I wasn'ttoo nervous, that is untilI realised what I wasletting myself in for.The driving teacherwas a friend of myDads. Maybe thiswasn't such a goodidea after all.

■ By the time Mr Marrived I felt like I wason the verge ofhaving a nervousbreakdown. It didn’thelp that when hecame to introducehimself, he waswearing a very, erm,colourful shirt and abow-tie. I couldsee now why myDad was friendswith him!

■ The firstthing he gotme to do was to check the doors and mirrors and make sureeverything was safe.

■ Mr M drove down the road and parked to explain to me aboutsafety checks etc and I explained to him that it may be necessaryto take into account that this car would not be road worthy by thetime I'd finished with it. He laughed and said "We have never had acrash yet"....

"There's a first time for everything I thought.."

■ However as time went on I became a lot less nervous, Mr Mexplained to me what to do before starting the car and what thosefunny pedals do. I already sort of knew - probably through watchingother people drive. He kept talking about safety and what a bigresponsibility it is to get behind the wheel of a car. We had a bit of ajoke and I was beginning to get quite comfortable, too comfortable."Start the car then!" he said. I felt like running a mile!

■ However I felt strangely comfortable once we got going and Istarted getting used to it, I didn’t even stall once! I started putting itinto perspective. My DAD can do this, it can't be that hard at all. Idon't really know what I was worried about!

■ Now, I actually want to learn how to drive as I found it quite funin an odd sort of way. It's not half as bad as you'd think itwould be!

Mr M arrives - Rachel doesn’t know what tosay so bursts out laughing...

Name: Richard Martin -known simply as ‘Mr M’

Occupation: DrivingInstructor

Fav Music: Classical espBorodin & Tchaikovsky

Top film: Trading Places

Supports: Aston Villa

Name: Rachel

Occupation: Lazy Student

Fav Music: Nirvana andRadiohead

Top films: The Matrix &Back to the Futuretrilogy

Supports: Burnley

Wants to: DRIVE! - letssee how we go.

... followed by the coolest motivational talk you’ll ever hear...

No problemo!Look out Mrs!!! she’s driving - don’t panic -she’s perfectly safe...MAYBE!

And it’s a triumphant thumbs up from Rachel- Mr M looks on relieved that his car hasn’tbeen totalled...

Well this is it readers - we’re putting a first timedriver through her paces with Mr M - somethingof a legendary Driving Instructor around SuttonColdfield and West Bromwich - and we were there

to see the horrible truth. So if Rachel was goingto bounce off the kerb, clip the wing mirror or ifeither instructor or pupil started blubbing like aschoolgirl then we’d be there to capture it all...

INSTRUCTORTHE

LEARNERTHE

Get the tune....Learning to drive isn’t simply about getting togrips with the handling of a car but moreimportantly it’s about developing the rightattitude to driving.Driving is a massive responsibility and it meansthat other people’s lives will literally be in yourhands. If that doesn’t make you think thennothing will. What about

Mum?...Some people learn withtheir parents - but it’s notreally a brilliant idea.Firstly a driving instructorhas an extra set of brakeson his side of the car -which could prove quitehandy. A parent usuallyhas little experience ofteaching and will pass ontheir own bad drivinghabits to you...nasty!Once you’ve had about 20hours worth of lessonsthen you can practice withyour parents. First getthem to sit in on a coupleof lessons - lots haschanged since they passed!

The new drivers act...Just thought that you might like to know that if you get 6 pointson your licence during the first two years after passing, thenyou will have to retake your test. You may even be put forward todo an extended driving test. Not very nice at all!! You couldcollect your three points for speeding, parking on zig-zags orfor each illegal tyre!

researchWhen you have lessons make sure that youread up on driving - so get some books out- or next time you’re on the web insteadof wasting endless hours talking to yourmates in a chatroom why not check out:

www.2pass.co.uk

The test... for a start don’tlisten to some of therumours about thedriving test. When it’stime to take it juststay cool and rememberthat it’s not the endof the world if youfail - many people doand it should spur youon to be a betterdriver.

To book

your driving test

online and for more

info about the test go

to: www.dsa.gov.uk

Going to school...It’s important to get yourself to adecent driving school. So shoparound - obviously personalrecommendation is usually a goodidea. Just remember that thecheapest is not necessarily the bestand beware of crash courses whichclaim to get you through the testin a ridiculously fast time. If youdon’t like the driving school youare learning with, then try anotherone out.

But it’s only when you really think about what it’s like or havewitnessed the effects first hand, that you ever really understand -but by then it could be too late.

Sergeant Bob Hartill of West Midlands Police says :” The injuries we come across at a serious collision arenormally bad enough, but when the person has not beenwearing a seatbelt, they can be especially horrific. Bear in mindthat these would be head injuries which are going to be at least

disfiguring and brain injuries causingsevere disability or normally death.

“A lot of young people think that itwon’t ever happen to them - which isironic as it involves them more thananyone else. Most of them thinkthey’ll never die, but the facts provethem tragically wrong”

Michael Schumacher, former world F1racing champion has thrown his weight

behind the push to persuade people towear seatbelts. He regularly tops speeds

of 200 mph on the track and demands thehighest safety standards from his car. He is

acutely aware of the need to belt up. Michael says:

“Please remember to fasten your seatbelt at alltimes. Accident statistics have shown conclusively that

the seatbelt is the most important piece of life savingequipment available within a car. And it only takes onemoment to remember."

Using a seatbelt, as a driver orpassenger, so obviously makessense that you’d think thateveryone would do it withoutquestion. After all - we’ve allheard the stories of people beingthrown out of car windows orsmashing into another passengerbecause they weren’t belted up.If you’re not wearing one, in acrash at 30 you are thrownforward with a force of between30 and 60 times your ownbody weight.

beltup!

THE MANMOST

LIKELY...1 in 3 road

accidents

involve men

under the

age of 20

Ex World Formula 1Champion

Michael Schumacher

Hi KidsMy name’sFixit - can’t tell

you too much about myself - just say I’m akinda travelling troubleshooter - sent out by

the ‘corporation’ to sort out the under 20’s andtheir car maintenance issues.

You don’t have to change the engine, grind thecylinder head or even ratchet up the suspension but

look here - and listen to me whilst I’m talking toyou. Even the thickest motorist should know

some basic things about the car... look no-one wants to do the walk of shame -walking down the road with a petrol cantrying to look invisible thinking “Oops Inever realised what that red bit meant”Or imagine your surprise when your carblows up just because you forgot to putany coolant in it - mmm shame...

It could all be so easily avoided...

Meanwhile - somewhere insuburbia a gang of wildyouths are about to set offfor another crazy night out...

Oh forgot to tell you that Mr Fcan transport himself throughtime and space - those doingPhysics ‘A’ level willunderstand immediately...So he morphs on to the sceneand immediately gets to work..

Take that punk!!!I’m impounding this heap of trash forimmediate inspection - and if it don’t passthen you’ll be walking home tonight

...Right let’s have a look under the bonnet- mmm interesting, very interesting...

And you can turn that racket off for a start!*Matt was listening to a particularly repulsive trashy genre ofdance music that this magazine can, under no circumstancesapprove of.

YOU’RE MINE...ALL MINE..

Ever looked in here before have we lads???The engine - the nerve centre - it’s here where allthose revs are converted into lovely sparks to ignitethe ole piston - which in turn goes up and down likethe clappers - ah - music to my ears

Now look here Madam you can wipe that smileoff your face, spit out that gob full of Wrigleysand pay attention. This is the ole dipstick -shows you how much oil you’ve got - your carwill go for a complete burton without it..Oh and by the way if you can ditch that guywith the England shirt I’d be honoured to escortyou to my local line dancing club later...

Tyres kid - bet you wondered what these were for - well they’re not just there to decorate youralloys. They’ve got to be corrrectly inflated and not worn down. If you brake hard you’ve gottamake sure your car will grip the road - ok!

So that’s the end of another mission - theywere lucky - I let them off with the sternest ofwarnings and confiscated all their worst CD’s.But whenever there’s an under-inflated tyre, aworn brakeshoe or a dodgy camshaft - I’ll beback - and hey - next time it might be your carwindow that I’ll come a knockin’ at...

Well kids here’s some ofmy top motoring tips -to keep your car onthe road.

It's now part of thedriving test to know a bitabout the basics of carmaintenance which isbad news for those of uswho think what goes onunder the bonnet isabout as interesting as alecture on stampcollecting at theWomen's Institute. Mostof us aren't experts -but if you don't want tosee your car explode in aflash of blue smoke or tobecome seriouslydangerous because of alack of basicmaintenance then you'dbetter read on...

Oil improves engine performance and extends itsworking life.

Check the engine oil by checking the dipstick. If itis low add some more, but make sure not tooverfill. The oil and filter should be changedaround every 10,000 miles.

It might sound obvious but when you buy a car make sure you knowwhich type of fuel it takes - it is possible to put the wrong type in and itwill wreck your engine if you do. Keep an eye on the fuel gauge too toavoid the embarrassment of walking to a petrol station with a refill can.

Coloured liquid for the radiator but not to beconfused with above.

Keep an eye on the coolant/antifreeze in the car - if youstart to lose some it can cause the car to seriouslyoverheat which can cause some expensive damage. Inwinter the right amount of coolant/antifreeze will stopthe water freezing and bursting the radiator.

Coloured liquid in a plastic container

Check your windscreen wash regularly - if it runs outyou can be in big trouble as it soon becomesimpossible to see properly out of a dirty windscreen. Ifyou just put water in you can come unstuck in coldweather when it can freeze up completely.

It's a good idea to keep a completeset of spare bulbs for your car. Thiswill save you a lot of trouble whenone unexpectedly blows - which itinevitably will! A bulb that doesn'twork could cause an accident somake sure you know which ones gowhere and how!

Brake pads should be checked at least every 3,000 miles and shoes every 6,000 miles.

If the brake warning light comes on then it's time to have them checked. If they start tomake a grating noise then they are already being damaged. If you carry on regardless youwill not only need to replace the brakes but also the disks which will cost you three timesas much. Also check brake fluid monthly.

Flat type!!You need to have practised changing a wheel

with some help before you are forced into doingit at the roadside.

If you need to change a wheel make sure you do itsomewhere safe - if you don't feel safe then call

for help.

Try and park somewhere which is level and firm.Make sure the handbrake is on and in first gear if

facing uphill and reverse if downhill

NEVER crawl under your car when it has beenjacked up!

Good tyresare vital!

They are a car's only point of contact with theroad - in total the area of four size eight shoes.Worn or bald tyres are illegal and must bereplaced. So make sure that the tread is morethen 1.6 mm on each type.

type pressure should be kept close to thatrecommended, otherwise grip and wear will beaffected making braking and handling almostimpossible.Also look out for any cuts, bulges or tears. Tyreswhich are worn on the inside or outside couldalso be caused by wheel alignment problems.

Check air pressure, type wear and for anydamage at least twice a month - any problemssee a specialist (look in the Yellow Pages ifneed be) and don't forget the spare in the boot!

You have a validdriving licence,You areinsured todrive thecar,

And, the carTax Disc isvalid anddisplayed clearly

For more info about carmaintenance go to:

www.bbc.co.uk/motoring

LET’S GOGIRLS?

More women

aged 17-19 die

as passengers

than as drivers

40

30

20

THE FASTESTWAY TOSPEND £60If you're caught speeding thenormal penalty is sixty quid and3 points on your licence - not tomention the hike in yourinsurance. Get caught twice within twoyears of passing your test andyou'll lose your licence. Thenyou'll be slapping those "L" platesback on your car and practisingyour parallel parking every week.

Solution? SLOW DOWN…SAVE MONEY ANDSAVE LIVES FOR MY GIRLFRIEND

I DIDN’T MEAN TO KILL YOU

I’M SORRY, I WAS DRIVING TOO

FAST. I REALLY MISS YOU.

www.fmg.org.ukFOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

Just a fewmiles perhour canmake thedifferencebetweenlife anddeath.

Hit by a vehicle at 40 mph, 9 outof 10 pedestrians are killed.

At 30 mph, 5 out of 10pedestrians are killed.

At 20 mph, 1 pedestrian is killedbut 9 survive.

STILL THE ONEOne in three drivers who are killed inroad accidents had tracesof alcohol in their systems

SlowDown!

DON’T PASS UP ONPASS PLUS!

More young people than ever - including England footballstar Wayne Rooney - have taken up the Pass Plus schemefor newly qualified drivers.Despite claims that new drivers feel driving alone is ‘nerve-wracking’and they feel a danger to other road users, Pass Plus candidates gainnew driving experiences, such as going on the motorway, with aninstructor by their side. And research shows their confidence and skillsare greater after taking Pass Plus.Supported by a number of insurance companies, driving instructor

associations and the Driving Standards Agency, thePass Plus scheme enables newly qualified driversto get discount on insurance when they get theirown cars.For further information tel: 0115 901 2633www.passplus.org.uk

for more information go to:www.wmsafetycameras.co.uk

SAM’S SAD STORY

I'D BEEN SHOPPING ALL DAY. My feet were aching

and I wanted to rush home to try on my new

purchases. I jumped into my car and put some

tunes on. I was reversing really carefully when I

spotted my top-totty mate pull up in the car next to

me. I waved hello and lent over to wind down the

window. As I reached over my foot slipped off the

clutch and I jolted backward. I heard a sickening

crunching noise as I hit the wall behind. I was so

embarrassed. Top-Totty got out of his car to have

a good gawp and I had to go home and explain

the dent to my dad.

Sob sob sob…

“For my 18th birthday dad bought mean old X reg Fiesta. It was just a basic1.1 but it had XR2 kit with pepper-potalloys. I thought it was the nuttz! Costme just under a grand to insure which isa fair price when you are a trainee.

“I passed my test later that year andwas looking forward to my one yearsno-claims bonus. But just 3 days beforeI was due to renew - on a cold, wetJanuary afternoon I misinterpreted thedriver in front’s signals and ended upwith a tidy dent in my passenger door,an angry bloke who also had a tidydent in his door and the prospect of myno claims bonus slid rapidly downthe drain.

“The worse thing is that my girlfriendwas in the car at the time and it was herside that got caved in.The other car also hadtwo kids in the back. It

shocked me intorealising that as a newdriver I had to beconsiderate ofpassengers and otherroad users as well asmyself.

“I drove round with thedent in the side because

I couldn't afford to get it mended -that didn't do much for my image.My insurance was sky high and mygirlfriend wasn't too happy having justescaped a serious injury.

“I've got four years claim-free drivingexperience under my belt now and canafford a tidy motor. I don't drive aroundlike a maniac because my car and

licence is worth too much to me. Foranyone learning to drive now my

advice would be to take it easyuntil your confidence grows,get some experience and thatway you'll be able to get thathead turner parked upoutside your house noproblem!”

Name: GazBin drivin: 5 yearsFirst Ride: FiestaCurrent drive: Saxo

Gaz is 23, taller than Blackpool Tower, and despite thefact he drives a modded Saxo would rather see theAlbion win the cup than be branded a boy-racer. OKmaybe that's pushing it a bit but Gaz, a Wolves seasonholder (well someone's gotta be), has had his fairshare of Young Driver hiccups. He has learnt thatdriving around like a rocket propelled grenade = crash= insurance no-no = a car with less bling bling thanyour granny at a tea party.

DEE’S DISASTERI'd just passed my testand my uncle’s mate wasselling an old car downthe pub. I gave him fiftyquid for it and thought I'dgot myself a bargain.

Little did I know that it was a deathtrap. Driving down town with mymates one evening I tried to brakeat a busy junction and they failed.I overshot the junction and endedup ploughing into another car. Iwrote off the death trap, broke bothmy legs and ended up in hospitalfor a month.

I've never drove a car since anddon't feel I have the confidence todo so again. My advice is to makesure you buy a properly maintainedcar - it could save your life.

Carl’sCrazyCapers...I was driving my brand new Citroen SaxoVTR. The windows down and the music up.I was approaching a set of traffic lights andthere was a huge HGV in front of meindicating left but in the right hand lane.

I thought "this blokes having a laugh" andzoomed up the left hand lane straight into theside of this lorry which was indeed turningleft! I had buckled the bonnet up andcompletely totalled the front end.

My prize possession now had as much X-Factor as Simon Cowell’s trousers! I'm stillpaying the price in high insurance premiums3 years later….

Don't do it kids!

I was driving along the motorway. All my mateswere piled in and we were having a right laugh.To be honest I was a bit nervous cos I'd neverdriven on the motorway before but we weregoing down to a club in Cardiff and I was theonly one who could drive.

It was all going well when I saw blue flashing lights behind.I looked at my speedo and was doing dead on 70. To behonest my old metro wouldn't do more than that whenloaded up with four lads!

We pulled over and my heart was racing. We'd been donecos the two lads in the back didn't have their seatbelts on.They were slapped with £40 fines each, we were told offand sent on our way. Being students forty smackers isquite a lot!! We had a really miserable time in the clubcos those three were skint. The journey home washorrendous cos nobody was in the mood for a laugh and it hadtotally ruined our weekend.

Clunk Click...

Jaz’s Journey...

Those written about here are not necessarily the people in the pix - they’ve done loads of daft things themselves but WHY SHOULD YOU KNOW WHAT THEY ARE - EH????