Safety warning for young motorists

23 November 2009

‘Take care on the roads this winter’ - that’s the message Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership is delivering to young and inexperienced motorists as the nights draw in and temperatures fall.

Until the end of the year, partnership representatives will be out and about most Friday and Saturday nights talking to drivers and motorcyclists in their teens and early twenties. The team - which is made up of fire service and police staff - will be travelling around Derbyshire giving safety advice to young motorists and warning them about increased police patrols and speed checks in the lead up to Christmas.

Partnership manager Robert Hill said: “Last year 88 people killed or injured on our roads were drivers or motorcyclists aged between 17 and 25. Our mission is to make sure that these inexperienced motorists know what how to stay safe when it’s dark and icy on the roads. “

Robert added: “Drink driving, speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt continue to factor in crashes involving young people – that’s why we’ll be talking to them about these issues.”

The speed checks and patrols being publicised by the partnership team form part of Operation Culvery. Launched by Derbyshire police earlier this month, the operation will run until the end of the year.

Partnership manager Robert Hill said: “We’ll be telling the people we meet about the training on offer to new motorists. New riders living in Derbyshire can improve their motorcycle skills for just £15 with our CBT Plus training. The course gives L-plate riders the experience they need to survive on today’s busy roads - and it’s designed to be taken at around the same time as the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) they are required to complete by law.

Robert added: “There’s also help out there for new drivers. Pass Plus is a driving course aimed at people 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 with a Pass Plus certificate – this means that you can save money and stay safe.”

Inspector Glenn Hoggard of Derbyshire police said: “Operation Culvery is designed to remind young drivers that reducing their speed, wearing seatbelts and avoiding alcohol when driving can significantly reduce the risk of death or serious injury to them or their passengers.”
 
For more information about CBT Plus Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058 or email bikermail@derbyshire.gov.uk.

For more information about Pass Plus visit www.passplus.org.uk (opens in a new window).