Jevon's Road Safety Education Races Ahead
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SOLIHULL, United Kingdom – January 7, 2009: The Kids’ Driving Experience at Mercedes-Benz World has proved to be a huge hit since the first youngster got behind the wheel for the first time, in 2006. Since then some 20,000 kids have had their first drive – in a Mercedes-Benz – on the famous Brooklands site. Designed to raise awareness of road safety and give youngsters hands-on experience, the Kids’ Driving Experience reached another milestone recently as 15 year old Jevon Race successfully completed a mock-driving test to pass standard.
With nearly one million learner drivers failing their driving test in 2007*, ensuring drivers have enough experience behind the wheel is key for a successful pass.
Peter O’Halloran, managing director at Mercedes-Benz World, explained: “We were so impressed by Jevon’s development through the young driver training programme that we called in a local Examiner to get their professional opinion. He took Jevon through all of the components of a standard driving test – and he passed with flying colours!”
Speaking on his success, Jevon commented: “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved cars - in particular Mercedes-Benz – but the thought of waiting until I was 17 to get behind the wheel was really disheartening.
“For the last 18 months, I’ve been coming to Mercedes-Benz World to take part in the young driver training programme. They have definitely given me the skills and confidence I needed to sit – and pass - the test. As a result, I’m sure that when I take my test for real in two years time, I’ll be a much safer driver.”
Sitting behind the wheel of a dual-controlled Mercedes-Benz car, kids over 4’11” are taken out on the Railway Straight with a qualified instructor and taught basic skills including steering, braking, changing gear and parking, eventually progressing onto the Handling Circuits.
Driving Examiner Steve Garrod, who oversaw Jevon’s test, commented: “Jevon is a real testament to the instructors here at Mercedes-Benz World. He has a phenomenal understanding of how to control a car for his age, and I am confident that, under actual test conditions, he would pass without incurring even a minor fault.”
The Kids’ Driving Experiences promote safer driving for young motorists with a range of fun activities designed to develop skills and road safety. A fully qualified instructor takes the youngster out in a dual-controlled Mercedes-Benz A-Class or smart fortwo, where they are taught how to drive the car in a safe and controlled environment.
Peter O’Halloran concluded: “At Mercedes-Benz World we are dedicated to raising awareness and respect for the road amongst young adults. Jevon’s success stands as real proof that our Kids’ Driving Experiences are an invaluable tool in equipping children with everything they need for a better understanding of the road.”
