Nearly 450 young people take part in road safety initiatives across Carmarthenshire

Nearly 450 young people across Carmarthenshire have taken part in road safety events at the start of the new academic year as part of efforts to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the county's roads.

Between 2022 and 2024, 102 people aged 17 to 24 were killed or seriously injured on Carmarthenshire roads, accounting for around a quarter of all those killed or seriously injured in the county during that period.

To help tackle the issue, Carmarthenshire County Council's Road Safety Team has delivered a programme of activities aimed at improving awareness of road risks and encouraging safer driving behaviours among young people.

A key part of the campaign was Mega Drive 2026, a multi-agency event designed to help young people understand the responsibilities of driving before getting behind the wheel independently.

A total of 245 Year 12 students from Dyffryn Aman, Bro Myrddin and Queen Elizabeth High School attended the event over three days at the United Counties Showground, with a fourth day held for students from Coleg Sir Gâr's Gelli Aur Campus.

Students took part in interactive sessions covering speeding, distraction, drink and drug driving, seatbelt use, vehicle safety and driver responsibility. Participants were also given the opportunity to experience driving with an approved driving instructor in a safe, controlled environment.

The event brought together partners including Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, St John Ambulance Cymru, GoSafe, Llanelli Rural Council, Start Young Driver Experience, approved driving instructors and Frenni Transport.

The Road Safety Team also attended the Cruise Culture Event and the Welsh Motorsport and Supercar Festival ahead of Mega Drive, engaging with around 50 young drivers. A driving simulator was used at both events to demonstrate the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and using a mobile phone while driving.

At Coleg Sir Gâr Freshers' Fairs, the team engaged with almost 150 students through interactive challenges focusing on driver distraction, rural road hazards and other common risks.

Parents and guardians of learner and novice drivers are encouraged to attend the next Parents of Young Drivers Course on 26 October 2026. The course provides practical advice on supporting young drivers and understanding the challenges they face during their early driving years.

Carmarthenshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Edward Thomas, said:

"The fact that 102 young people aged 17 to 24 were killed or seriously injured on Carmarthenshire roads in just three years shows why this work is so important.

By reaching young people before they start driving independently, we can help them build the knowledge and confidence needed to make responsible decisions on the road.

I would like to thank all our partners for their continued support in delivering these initiatives."