Staying safe is the wheel deal
Sarah Jane McDonald New drivers are being urged to make safety their top priority when they take to the road.
Learner drivers have been joining their instructors for information sessions aimed to help them as they look to gain their license.
Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will promote the workshops online when sessions are run in their area.
Businesses and companies employing large fleets of drivers are also being contacted, to see if their drivers can pick up a few tips along the way.
Learner drivers and instructors visited a workshop at Ayr’s John Pollock Centre to hear from road experts.
Constable Craig Beaver, from the Trunk Road Patrol Group said: “Too many young people are involved in serious and fatal collisions and drivers may be familiar with the fact that speed can kill, however, statistics show young drivers are more vulnerable on the road.
“Our presentation will demonstrate the consequences for new drivers, their passengers and other road users if they drive inappropriately.
“We do a great deal of work in schools with our partners teaching young people about the dangers of speeding, but this programme is about delivering the right messages to the right audience at the most appropriate time.
“We hope to supplement and address a gap in the learning journey of new drivers by focusing on individual responsibility and informing drivers of the grave implications should they drive dangerously or carelessly.
“We have a particular interest in reaching young drivers, however, all are welcome to attend, whether you are a young or mature learner, a driver who has recently passed their test, or a concerned relative of someone learning how to drive, everyone is welcome.”
Officers hope the presentations can add to the vital skills taught by driving instructors.
And they hope to give a ‘ solid reminder’ of the individual responsibilities each driver faces.
The sessions are part of a partnership between police officers, the fire brigade and the Motor Schools Association of Great Britain.
George Baggley, Wat c h Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service added: “Young drivers are at a much higher risk of having an accident than older drivers, drivers aged 17- 19 only make up 1.5 per cent of UK licence holders, but are involved in 9 per cent of fatal and serious crashes.
“The aim of this programme is not to lecture new drivers on how to drive but to offer them knowledge and experience on how to drive safely.”
To find out more, ema i l newdriverscheme@ scotland. pnn. police. uk.