Mondello Park race track and Opel Ireland have renewed their partnership for the track's Early-Drive programme, which has been educating young drivers for over 25 years, writes Brian Byrne. The programme, aimed at 13- to 17-year-olds, uses a fleet of new Opel Mokka Electrics to teach road safety and driving skills in a controlled environment.
The racetrack is set up to simulate real-world road conditions, complete with signs and junctions for participants to navigate. Instructors also use circuit safety features, including gravel traps and tyre barriers, to demonstrate the important differences between driving on a racetrack and on public roads.
This initiative supports the Road Safety Authority’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating road deaths by 2050. With recent statistics showing 16–25-year-olds make up 27% of road fatalities in Ireland, the programme emphasises the importance of early road safety education.
Around 2,500 teenagers participate annually in the programme, benefiting from practical sessions and essential road safety knowledge.
Pictured are Richard Dillon, Head of Retail Sales, Opel Ireland; and Roddy Greene, Managing Director at Mondello Park.
