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Because Your
Life CountsRoad safety charity · West Midlands
About us

Local people working for a day without a road death

Because Your Life Counts grew out of years of road safety work through SmartLearner Driving School in Coventry. In 2019 we became a registered charity, with one aim: fewer people killed and seriously injured on our roads. Now we're taking our work across Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands.

Our story

From the driving school to the classroom

We started by taking road safety sessions into local schools, colleges and universities, talking with young people before and just after they start driving. That's still the heart of what we do.

Today we also work with parents, community groups, driving instructors, the emergency services and local and national road safety partners. We run campaigns and events, and hold an annual remembrance service in Coventry for everyone affected by road crashes.

What we believe
  • Start with the positives. Driving brings freedom and opportunity. We help people keep it.
  • Talk like adults. Young people respond to honesty and trust, not lectures.
  • Everyone has a part. Learners, families, teachers and instructors all shape a new driver.
  • Diverse by design. Our team reflects the communities we serve, and draws on real experience.
The BYLC team under Coventry's Whittle Arch, lit red
The BYLC team
The BYLC team dressed up at the 2024 Christmas fundraiser
Christmas 2024
Charity football team holding the BYLC Road Safety banner
Charity football
Our team

The people behind BYLC

Instructors, examiners, transport professionals, educators and young people, all giving their time to make the roads better for everyone.

Glenn
Chair

Glenn

Former Defence Driving Examiner and Transport Manager, now passing his knowledge on to new drivers.

Megan
Driver education

Megan

Works at SmartLearner Driving School with future drivers and driving instructors across the West Midlands and Warwickshire.

Ray
Transport industry

Ray

A lifetime in freight and passenger transport, committed to improving road safety for every road user.

Josh
Driving instructor

Josh

Local driving instructor who takes part in our campaigns and teaches responsibility on the road.

Darryn
Driving instructor

Darryn

One of the youngest driving instructors in the UK, for whom road safety is central to everything he does.

Genillia
Education and coaching

Genillia

Brings experience from higher education, with a focus on coaching and creating great learning environments.

Alex
Youth voice

Alex

Our youngest team member, making sure everything we do makes sense to young people.

Jo
Training and inclusion

Jo

Qualified Teacher of the Deaf and classroom trainer, known for an engaging, inclusive training style.

Get involved

Become a trustee

Help shape the charity's direction. We're especially keen to hear from people with experience in education, youth work, fundraising or finance.

Get involved

Volunteer with us

Help at school sessions, events and the remembrance service. No road safety background needed, just time and enthusiasm.

Get in touch

Book a workshop or ask for the free lessons

Tell us about your school, group or driving school and we'll call you back.

Address4a Wheelwright Buildings, Hen Lane, Coventry CV6 4LB