TRANSITION YEAR

Rosemary Smith's "Think Awareness" Driving School

Spring Term would not be the same in Transition Year without the annual trip to the Rosemary Smith "Think Awareness Driving School at Goff's, Co. Kildare. The event has proven to be one of the highlights of the Transition Year Programme since it was first introduced seven years ago. Having followed a comprehensive programme in the College during the winter, it was now time to hand over the reins to the experts, and the steering wheels to the TY boys. The students had the opportunity to brush up on their theory in the classroom component of the programme, building on what has been learned in the Road Safety Module in the College, as well as the practical part where each student gets over one hour's tuition behind the wheel of a dual control vehicle from a qualified and experienced driving instructor.

It was with weary bodies but eager anticipation that the group met at the back gate of the college at 6.50 am. on the morning of Thursday 7th April. Following a smooth journey we arrived at Goff's where we were met just before nine by Rosemary, Keane and the team. Keane Harley takes responsibility for the theory part of the programme and delivers practical advice and vast experience without losing his sense of humour, something that is needed in the face of some of the questions posed by the students. Nonetheless, we were all impressed by Keane, not least as re regaled us of his stories of interviewing Damon Hill, ex Formula 1 World Champion, who admitted in one encounter that he actually does not enjoy driving!?

The time spent behind the wheel of the car was the most enjoyable and rewarding. Little did we know as we breezed towards our vehicles that the driving, controlling and stopping of a vehicle required such attention and co-ordination. On his first attempt, Taroch blew some cobwebs from the engine of his assigned vehicle (yes, Toyota do build the toughest vehicles in the world!). A roar of engine noise and a puff of smoke drew everybody's attention to a stationary Yaris, with Mr. Duffy behind the wheel. The nearby Baldonnel Aerodrome even sent up a few helicopters to see what was going on! Numerous similar incidents preceded and followed; Conor Byrne deserves recognition for twenty-five stalls during one of his stints behind the wheel! The instructors deserve rewards for their patience and courage, but the message was loud and clear; THINK about what you are doing and be AWARE of what others are doing or are likely to do.

Once again, the TY trip to the Driving School was met with enthusiastic and positive comments from the participants. All proved that reaction times were normal, but none at Grand Prix standard. Remember that lads, when you finally get behind the wheel for real. Let's hope that, as a result of having the opportunity to attend this programme that the roads of County Louth will be a somewhat safer place in the future. Many thanks to the Fifth Year lads who tagged along to make up the necessary numbers, and to their parents who allowed them to travel at such short notice.

For the first time ever we had a student in Fifth Year who asked to attend again, having already done the course in TY last year. This, surely, is the ultimate testament to Rosemary Smith's "Think Awareness" programme and emphasises what a worth-while activity it is.