Scheme aims to cut road deaths in Shropshire
A driver training scheme aimed at saving the lives of young Shropshire drivers is being re-launched by county firefighters.
Advanced driver training techniques aim to equip young motorists with the skills to avoid a crash and stay safe on our roads.
Young drivers aged from 17 to 24 – the age group involved in most accidents – can go on the driver training scheme run jointly by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Shropshire Institute of Advanced Motorists.
Chief Fire Officer Paul Raymond said that the scheme was set up because fire crews were deeply concerned at the numbers of dead, dying and severely injured people they had to cut out of wrecked cars after a crash.
The start of the Easter break for 6th form and college students is the perfect time for the re-launch of the successful scheme, said Kate Hancocks, the fire service’s Risk Reduction Officer.
Young drivers should turn up at the Telford campus of the City of Wolverhampton College throughout the day on Tuesday, April 5 to learn more about the scheme from community fire safety officers at the brigade’s Outreach vehicle which tours the county with fire and road safety information.
Paul Jones (25), who drives 35,000 miles a year working in his family’s Fairmitre windows and conservatory business, was one of the first to complete the IAM course.
“I drive a lot of miles in my job and I thought that as well as reducing insurance costs it was well worth it as it may one day save my life,” said Paul, a former pupil at the Baschurch School who lives at Long Oak, West Felton, Oswestry.
Paul picked up some useful driving skills on the course and trained to be an observer to help with the young driver scheme.
Self confessed car “fanatic” Richard Brindley (26), a staff nurse at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, urged more young drivers to enrol.
“It’s a brilliant scheme. Just do it. It’s fantastic and has taught me a lot. I know much more about positioning on the road and how to overtake safely and how to enjoy driving safely,” said Richard, of Roundthorn Close, Bridgnorth.
He enjoyed the driver training so much that he has since joined the committee of Shropshire Group IAM.
Mike Anslow (19), of Sparkham Close, Shrewsbury, a former student at Walford College, said the scheme was really worthwhile.
“We decided to work with the IAM to develop this education scheme which operates from county fire stations. Hopefully we will see a reduction in deaths and injuries in our county as a result,” said Mr Raymond who is president of the Shropshire IAM and responsible for road safety for the fire service.
Drivers aged between 17 and 25 are eligible for the five hour advanced training which includes one hour in the classroom and four hours on road training. The theory sessions will be held at fire stations across the county.
To be eligible, young drivers must have their own car, be fully taxed and insured, with a valid MOT and must live, work or study in Shropshire. For more details visit www.advancedmotorists.org The initiative gives them the chance to become full members of the IAM.
Those interested in taking part can also contact Shropshire Advanced Motorists at enquires@advancedmotorists.org or call 0845 0945 650.
