Young drivers urged to join new campaign

Oban’s police and fire services are joining forces this weekend in a campaign to reduce the number of young drivers involved in accidents.

Drivers aged between 17 and 24 are more likely to be involved in crashes as they represent 10 per cent of licence holders, but are involved in 20 per cent of incidents.

That is why officers from Oban are calling on new drivers and those recently qualified to join the New Driver Scheme, run in partnership with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

A police spokesperson said: ‘It’s not just a lecture on speed, it’s a presentation on the consequences of inexperienced, careless and dangerous driving. It is supported by real dashcam footage from a road traffic collision in Ayrshire. It is hard-hitting and a reminder to young and new drivers of what can happen on the roads.’

Sergeant Graeme Greenlaw added: ‘We hope to get plenty of enthusiastic young drivers signed up for this event. We prefer to work alongside new road users as their driving experience develops. Linking in with young drivers is the most effective way of influencing their behaviour and attitude.

‘Being in charge of a car is a huge responsibility and we want to remind people of that. We want to deliver the right messages to the right audience at the right time.

‘Too many young people are involved in serious and fatal collisions on our roads and we want to change that.’

The scheme will take place at Oban Fire Station, Soroba Road, on Saturday October 19 at 1pm. Places are limited, so sign up by attending Oban Police Station or email obansouththeislescpt@scotland. pnn.police.uk