Volunteer drivers with Pembrokeshire Country Cars wheelchair accessible car service were recently seen spinning off the road at Withybush showground. Fortunately no one was hurt: they were taking part in a winter driving and skid car training session organised by Pembrokeshire Association of Community Transport Organisations (PACTO) in conjunction with Go for It Driver Training Ltd.
As well as experiencing conditions simulating black ice and water on the roads using Go for It's specially designed Skid Car, the volunteers also honed their manoeuvring skills through a series of exercises devised by PACTO's training co-ordinator, Cliff Richmond.
The training was funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Pembrokeshire Country Cars scheme co-ordinator, Margaret Vickery, said: "The training simulated the kind of driving conditions that we experienced during the 'big freeze' earlier this winter.
"Country Cars provides essential transport for people who can't make their journey any other way. Our passengers are mostly elderly or disabled, including many wheelchair users. Many live in rural areas away from the main roads. It is so important to keep the service going safely, even if driving conditions are poor.
"We now feel better prepared for whatever the weather throws at our roads in the future. And we had a lot of fun in the process!"
Pembrokeshire Country Cars is always keen to recruit new volunteer drivers. Volunteers can drive their own car or the specially adapted wheelchair accessible cars. All you need is a standard driving licence, some spare time and a desire to help.
Margaret Vickery said: "We recruit drivers from across Pembrokeshire. At the moment, we particularly need more volunteers in the south of the county, especially the Pembroke and Tenby areas, and also in the Maenclochog area."
Anyone who is interested in volunteering for the scheme can contact Margaret Vickery on 01437 711042 or call 0800 783 1584 (during office hours).