The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) have received a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for developing the Safe Road User qualification.
The Safe Road User Award is aimed primarily at 14-16 year olds. It aims to influence young people’s attitudes to road safety and give them a solid grounding in safe road use before they learn to drive.
Holders who go on to learn to drive can take a shorter version of the car theory test. The qualification was piloted at Balwearie High School in Kirkcaldy.
HRH Prince Michael, GCVO, said: “I am delighted to present this award. It is a pioneering and ingenious approach to senior school road safety education.”
Jill Lewis, DSA’s director of driver education and learning, said: “DSA is delighted to receive this special award for a special qualification.
“Not only does the Safe Road User qualification increase the students’ knowledge and awareness about using the roads, ultimately it could also save their lives.
“We’re delighted that our collaborative work with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has been a success.”
Dr Gill Stewart, SQA’s director of qualifications development, added: “SQA, DSA and Balwearie High School are absolutely delighted to receive the award. We believe the Safe Road User qualification really changes young people’s approach to road use and this recognition underlines our belief.”
SQA is marketing the qualification to schools, colleges and other education providers across the UK. Although aimed at 14-16 year olds, it is open and relevant to everyone who uses the road, whether as a passenger, cyclist or pedestrian.
The award was presented by HRH Prince Michael GCVO on 27 October at the Road Safety Scotland Annual Seminar 2010 at Dunblane Hydro.
For more information contact Liz Wilford at DSA on 0115 936 6119.
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