North Wales Police are linking up with the AA to offer ‘at risk’ teenagers free driver safety training.
150 drivers whose records are a cause for concern will be invited to take part in the ‘Drive Smart’ scheme, which offers two-hour sessions with a driving instructor from the AA. The initiative also looks at ‘eco-driving’ techniques to cut fuel consumption.
Young drivers with a history of collisions or offences such as driving without seatbelts, using mobile phones at the wheel and speeding will be approached for nomination for the training. Those who take part in the course will be sent a supporting workbook and will also be expected to practice between training sessions.
Assistant chief constable Ian Shannon said: “Young drivers, particularly those with a poor driving record, are at most risk of being involved in a collision in which someone will die or be seriously injured. By targeting training at the right people, we will save lives.”
AA president Edmund King said: “Driving causes more teenage deaths than stabbings or drugs, with new drivers and their passengers accounting for one in five car deaths. By working with police to target those who are the biggest risk we can start to tackle this carnage.”
Click here to read the full BBC News report.
How many 2-hour sessions? Who’s designed the course? Which YNDs will – and which will not – sign up? How will the course be evaluated?
Stephen Stradling, Edinburgh Napier University
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