Disabled sportsman set to help other youngsters get in the driving seat (From Watford Observer)

Disabled sportsman set to help other youngsters get in the driving seat

10:00am Friday 3rd August 2012 in News

A 20-year-old disabled sportsman from Bushey is helping young people with disabilities to get behind the wheel of their first vehicle.

Jack Pegram, who carried the Olympic torch on its route to the East End of London last week, is sharing his own “learning to drive” experience, including finding an instructor with specialist knowledge, choosing the right vehicle and adaptations, available schemes and general hints and tips at a special demonstration day.

On Saturday, August 11, he will be holding Ask the Driver sessions at Get Going Live!, a free one-day driving event at TRL Wokingham in Berkshire, where young people with disabilities can gain their first experience of accessible driving, with a view to gaining their provisional licence at the age of 16.

A second year student at Brunel University studying Sports Science, it was essential to Jack’s independence that he was able to drive.

Three driving years later he has just moved on to his second vehicle, a drive-from-wheelchair VW Caravelle with easy access and automatic tailgate.

Jack will demonstrate the vehicle to visitors, and will also bring along his Olympic torch for those who haven’t seen one up close and personal.

Visitors must be over 14 to test drive one of the adapted vehicles, but younger prospective learners can practice transferring, familiarise themselves with controls and may also travel as a passenger with an instructor.

Vehicles lined up on this year’s test drive grids include a variety of models from Citroën, Ford, Nissan, Peugeot, SEAT, Vauxhall and VW – fitted with a range of adaptations.

To register for the event visit www.getgoingnow.org or call 01508 489 449.