Post-Test Driver Training Is Not The Only Answer
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 20 August 2010
RESEARCH RELEASED by Sky News, indicates that the Pass Plus test does not improve safety.
Post-test courses, like Pass Plus, are offered to new drivers as a way of building on skills and confidence in areas including motorway and night driving.
These may be good things to work on but the report by Sky News, says there is no firm evidence that the course improves safety.
Despite this, road safety is improving in the UK. Figures from the Department for Transport show that between 2008 and 2009 the number of road deaths fell by 12% and the number of car users killed decreased by 16%.
New and safer vehicles have played an important role in achieving the reduction. RoadSafe believes information about the latest safety technology should be passed on and made available to new and young drivers to help reduced casualties.
One in five newly qualified drivers crash in the first six months after passing the practical test. 70% report having near misses.
Most new drivers are under 25 years old. Their increased chance of crashing is due to lack of experience and attitude: two areas that are difficult to change.
The Driving Standards Agency is working to improve the Pass Plus course. It is also improving the practical test that drivers take to get their licence, which, from October, will include 10 minutes of independent driving to assess candidates’ ability to read the road and managing risk.
RoadSafe welcomes these moves, but suggests more can be done to change perspectives and keep new and young drivers out of trouble.
Adrian Walsh, director of RoadSafe says, “Although many new and young drivers know they have weaknesses, many also see passing their test as a moment of liberation. They then take risks.
“We need to change this attitude, and help new and young drivers be realistic in their management of risk. We can also take steps to reduce the chance and severity of collisions – driving safe modern cars really helps.”
RoadSafe wants:
1) All drivers to drive the safest car they can afford. Features to look for include airbags, ABS and ESC / ESP. Systems like ABS and ESC / ESP, help drivers maintain control and avoid collisions in emergencies.
Even newer systems, like advanced and emergency braking and lane departure warnings can alert drivers to dangers as they arise. They help drivers make the right decisions to avoid or mitigate a crash.
2) Government to put road safety, including the use of cars as a driver and passenger, on the secondary school syllabus. Road crashes are the single biggest killer in the UK. Driving and the use of vehicles is a life skill, and provoking thought to encourage responsible attitudes should begin well before the age of 17.
3) Local governments to focus on improving the highest risk roads, where the majority of accidents occur.
4) Parents and anyone with an interest in the well being of a new or young driver to pay attention to the individual’s attitude to vehicles and driving, and offer guidance as they see fit.
