Cornwall launches driver training initiative

Cornwall County Council's Road Safety Unit launched a new driver training initiative, Collision Avoidance Training, at RAF Portreath during the course of last week.

Collision Avoidance Training is designed to enable drivers to recognise potential skid situations and take avoiding action. Using techniques that simulate loss of car control, the driver is exposed to conditions that replicate driving on ice and aquaplaning. They are also taught to anticipate how the vehicle will react in difficult situations and learn the corrective action necessary to bring the vehicle under control.

"We have been working for three years to bring this initiative to Cornwall and are grateful to our sponsor and to RAF Portreath for providing a site to carry out the training," said Chris Billing, road safety officer. "Collision Avoidance Training will provide drivers with the opportunity to experience driving in difficult conditions such as ice and snow - conditions that drivers in Cornwall are not accustomed to. This will hopefully give them more knowledge and confidence when driving in difficult conditions - and result in a decrease in the number of casualties on our roads."

The Road Safety Unit will begin operating courses for the public and local companies from October 2004. The first courses will be offered to the Cornwall's winter maintenance team during September.

For further information please contact the Road Safety Unit on 01872 222000.