Partnership acts to prevent crashes involving young drivers

25 February 2009

A police operation designed to cut the number of crashes involving young drivers is being funded by Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership.

Until the end of March, there will be extra weekend police patrols in areas where there have been a high number of crashes involving young drivers.

 Partnership manager Rob Hill said: "In 2007 nearly a quarter of the people killed or injured on our roads were either drivers aged between 17 and 25 or their passengers

"Operation Dandelion is designed to cut the number of crashes involving young drivers - it will run on Friday and Saturday nights because that is when many of the crashes occur.

"Officers will be looking out for any of the things that have contributed to young driver crashes in the past such as speeding, drink or drug driving, driving a vehicle that's not roadworthy, speaking on a mobile phone while driving and driving without a seatbelt."

 Areas being targeted as part of the operation include Alfreton, South Normanton, Codnor, Ripley, Swadlincote, Newhall, Matlock, Darley Dale, Bakewell, Dronfield, Eckington, Chaddesden, Spondon, Oakwood, Glossop, Ashbourne, the outskirts of Derby  and the outskirts of Chesterfield.

Acting Sergeant Sue Dalton from Derbyshire Police said: "We're particularly concerned about young drivers who get behind the wheel after having a drink. Between December 2005 and November 2008, 167 drivers aged between 17 and 25 failed a breath test following a crash.

"Drink driving kills and it ruins the lives of those left behind. We're warning young drivers that they could be banned from driving for three years if they fail a breath test."

Acting Sergeant Dalton added: "We'll also be telling the young drivers we meet about Pass Plus - a driving course aimed at motorists who have passed their test within the last 12 months and want to develop their skills. The training was devised by the Driving Standards Agency and is available through local driving instructors.

"Some insurance companies offer discounts to people who complete the course allowing people to save money and stay safe."