Highland agencies drive home road safety education to young people

Fifth and Six year pupils at Invergordon Academy and Golspie High Schools will this week take part in a pilot road safety education programme called ‘Driving Ambition’.

Organised by the Highland Road Safety Sub Group which includes partnership agencies The Highland Council, Northern Constabulary, and Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service and Driving Standards Agency, Driving Ambition will take place at Invergordon Academy tomorrow (Wednesday 21st) and at Golspie High School (Thursday 22nd February) from 9am – 12 noon.

The aim of Driving Ambition is to provide vital road safety education and information to senior secondary school pupils at a time they need it the most. 

A letter from the Highland Road Safety Sub Group sent to parents of pupils at both schools states that: “Research has shown that a driver aged 17 – 25 is six times more likely to be involved in an injury accident than a driver aged over 40 and the probability of having an accident is reduced by on third after only one years driving experience.

“Topics that will be covered during the sessions are new driver information, enforcement, role of the Emergency Services, under the bonnet and interactive road safety (brake reaction times etc).  This is all practical information that will help your son/daughter in their driving career.”
 
Trevor Johnson, CRM Commander Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service said: “Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue Service are delighted to be involved in such a worthwhile initiative which is aimed at reducing the number of Road Traffic Crashes in Young People.”
 
Northern Constabulary’s Inspector, John Smith said: “All the agencies involved recognise the importance of influencing the behaviour of young and prospective drivers. Through a series of presentations to the young drivers of the future we can provide them with a greater degree of knowledge and understanding of the risks involved and hopefully allow them to enjoy using the roads in a safe and controlled manner.”
 
Lisa MacKellaich, Highland Council’s Road Safety Officer said: “Our Road Safety Team are delighted to be part of this important initiative which builds on the good road safety education work being done by both Invergordon Academy and Golspie High School, using the Crash Magnets Package, with a view to reducing the number of Road Traffic Crashes involving our young People.”

Pupils attending the Driving Ambition programme will learn about driving enforcement issues and how to ensure driving legally; driving theory and practice; essential car maintenance and safety checks; and how to deal with emergency services in case of accidents. They will also have the chance to take part in interactive road safety brake reaction tests; try out booze goggles and learn more about the Pass Plus Scheme.