Porsche Kids put the pedal to the metal for safety

The aim of this educational activity was to create awareness about road safety amongst children, and provide an exciting 'Porsche experience' during the Formula One event.

For three exciting days, each one fully booked, more than 520 children aged between 3 and 10 lined up for a briefing about basic traffic rules and road signs, after which they were given Porsche pedal cars to drive around a mini road track. There were twelve Porsche 911 cars and two Baby Boxsters, for the smaller children, available at the Driving School, while parents could inspect a Cayenne S, with its Porsche-designed child seat, as their kids enjoyed the fun.

The event, a cooperation between Porsche Middle East and Africa and Porsche Centre Bahrain, Behbehani Brothers w.l.l., was staged in the F1 Village during the first round of 'Porsche Mobil Supercup' held during the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2008.

Deesch Papke, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa, stressed how the Porsche Kids' Driving School reinforced Porsche's commitment to promoting road safety: 'As a performance car manufacturer, we have a social responsibility to all generations to help make roads safer. All our cars have advanced safety features to back up this message. And because education is essential to enhance safety, we have made a commitment to highlight this to the public, especially to a young audience.'

An exciting road-track was set up at the Sakhir circuit, complete with road signs, zebra crossings and traffic signs. This year, moreover, it boasted additional features, with bus stops, a petrol station, zebra crossing and traffic lights, all built into the course. After a briefing by a qualified instructor on road signs and traffic rules, the children were given the opportunity to drive on the track while adhering to basic road safety rules.

For the first time, children were separated into groups of beginners and repeaters. After completing the course, all the beginner participants received a 'My First Licence' and an easy-to-understand booklet on road safety rules, the 'Porsche Driving Book.' Those children who had participated before were given the slightly different 'My Porsche Super Licence' and the 'Porsche Super Driving Book.' While the card does not permit the child to drive, it does indicate that the card holder has participated in a road-safety programme.

Furthermore, each child received an information pack including a 'Porsche Safe Driving Handbook' to promote awareness to parents of traffic rules, and explain what adults can do to make the roads safer for them and for their children.

Anthony Raymond, Brand Manager of the Porsche Centre Bahrain, Behbehani Brothers w.l.l., was delighted with the success of the event. 'While Porsche is all about performance, we believe safety is critical, and that is why events like the Porsche Kids' Driving School are so important for children and the wider community. Porsche Centre Bahrain is delighted once again by the success this event has delivered.'