Young driver improvement scheme proves a success

A scheme to turn novice young drivers into advanced motorists in Shropshire in a bid to cut road deaths has proved a success, said the Chief Fire Officer, who is responsible for road safety for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Paul Raymond, President of the county branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, praised the innovative scheme which has seen 30 young drivers aged between 17 and 25 take up the offer for advanced driver tuition at county fire stations.

Shropshire IAM chairman David Carless urged more young people, particularly students, to take up the offer of becoming advanced drivers during their Summer holidays.

Mr Raymond presented two of the latest recruits with their advanced drivers certificates at the annual meeting of the Shrophire Group IAM held at Shirehall in Shrewsbury.

"This is a truly worthwhile training programme which gives young drivers the skills to stay safe on our roads."

Firefighters hoped that the training would reduce the numbers of people, especially young adults, who they had to cut free from the wreckage of crashed cars, said Mr Raymond.

Self confessed car "fanatic" Richard Brindley (25), 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 and is training to become an observer.

Mike Anslow (18), of Shrewsbury, said the scheme was really worthwhile and he hoped his new driving skills would help him to realise his ambition to become a paramedic.

He had also enrolled on a course to qualify as an ambulance driver and was first aid and lifeguard trained.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service linked up with Shropshire IAM last year to launch the education scheme which allows drivers aged between 17 and 25 to be eligible for a five-hour advanced training which includes one hour in the classroom and four hours on road training.

To be eligible, young drivers must have their own car, be fully taxed and insured and with a valid MoT.

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 should contact Shropshire Advanced Motorists at enquires@advancedmotorists.org or call 0845 0945 650