'Right Direction’ in Merseyside
The Merseyside Road Safety Partnership has launched a pilot scheme targeting young, newly qualified drivers.
RSOs from Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral are working in partnership with Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and BSM to promote ‘The Right Direction’.
Under the scheme, approved driving instructors from BSM, who have received ‘commentary driving training’ through the Merseyside Police Driving School, are passing this onto pupils when they are almost ready for their driving test.
The pupils are also invited to Merseyside Fire and Rescue HQ for an interactive theory session using the Drive to Arrive presentation. They also receive training on night driving and hazard perception and observe a fire crew ‘cutting out’ demonstration.
The pilot begins in January 2008 and will run for 12 months, during which time evaluation will be carried out by Nottingham University.
If the course proves successful, it will be developed to include all ADIs as part of their continuing professional development.
Gillian Roberts, chair of the Merseyside RSO Group, said: “Too many young drivers drive too fast, take undue risks and lack experience in anticipating hazards on the road. The Right Direction addresses these issues in a practical way while they are learning to drive and we are confident this will result in fewer injuries.”
Richie Davis, group manager for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We already deliver an interactive presentation to young drivers that challenges attitudes but we were aware that other agencies also have initiatives in place. We wanted to bring all these ideas together to come up with something different to make our message more effective.”
For further information contact Gillian Roberts on 01744 456077, or GillianRoberts@sthelens.gov.uk
24 December 2007 |
