Wasted Lives Young Driver Education Programme

Its long-term protective impact has been scientifically evaluated and 73% of participants, three months after the course, now take fewer risks because they understand the potential consequences.

The Wasted Lives Young Driver Education Programme has been distilled out from the best content from existing young driver courses. Educational theory has been applied to achieve successful learning through an active experience. Wasted Lives has been developed to suit this innovative new learning style which closely follows the Kolb
Learning Cycle (experiential).

The result is a flexible programme of seven modules (two of which are optional) containing the most effective information to demonstrate ‘cause’ and ‘effect’ in car crashes and road deaths. Wasted Lives is delivered free of charge by a dedicated team of specially trained facilitators and fire officers, and the programme is continuously developed in line with new research and topical issues.

The tasks within each module are often undertaken in small groups with a facilitator to promote collaboration, discovery and sharing. This allows participants to examine the issues that affect them and discuss their own experiences and thoughts.

The programme has been fully evaluated and we have proved that immediately after the course 87% of students said they would take less risks on the road; three months after the course 73% of participants said that they now take fewer risks on the roads.

The initiative differentiates itself from other young driver courses though the peer to peer learning and flexible modules. It is a simple, cost effective formula that works. This, along with the ability to create bespoke timetables, gives the programme great potential to be adopted nationwide and even across Europe.

“The Wasted Lives course has been an incredibly effective eye-opener that backs up all I have said about taking responsibility for their driving and I know it has hit home with the players.”
Rick Leighton, head of education, Blackburn Rovers Football Academy

“Young college students have died as a result of car accidents and I’ve witnessed how devastated staff and students are afterwards…… I’m delighted that the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety is working closely with our students to help them become more responsible drivers.”
David Wood, principal, Lancaster & Morecambe College

“I would like to extend my congratulations to you and the team on your achievements. The results show one of the most marked changes in the predictors of risky driving behaviour that I have observed in any of the evaluations that I have been involved in. Furthermore, there is evidence of a protective effect at three-month follow-up. You should be very proud of this impressive course.”
Dr Fiona Fylan, ,chartered health psychologist & director, Brainbox Research