BRAKES are being put on future boy racers by targeting them before they can drive.

The perils and practicalities of driving are being hammered home to schoolchildren between the ages of 15 and 17 under a initiative dreamed up by Blackpool Council.

The idea is to change attitudes and tackle the problem of aggressive teenage drivers before they can even get behind a wheel.

Subjects looked at in the classroom will include hazards, motorbiking, insurance and legal matters as well as the practical side of vehicle maintenance and buying a car.

It is hoped the police, AA, Driving Standards Agency and Blackpool and Fylde Association of Driving Instructors will also become involved in the lessons.

Roy Fisher, Blackpool highways chairman, commented that the obsession with speed displayed by many young male motorists, and their inexperience, was a dangerous combination which all too tragically resulted in death or serious injury.

"Reckless road use is outlawed and the problem is changing people's attitudes so that motoring mayhem ends," he said.

"Stupid speeding and mad manoeuvres have to become a thing of the past if we are to save lives and encourage sensible driving.

"By discussing motoring issues with would-be drivers we hope to influence their future driving habits and improve road safety."

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