Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Road Safety Team is calling on all local approved driving instructors to join them in the Engage initiative.

Aimed at young learner drivers, the Engage driver training scheme links the council with approved driving instructors (ADIs) and young learner drivers to help to reduce the numbers of those who are killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads each year.

Statistics show that drivers between the ages of 17 and 20 are 10 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than older, more experienced drivers.

Engage prepares new drivers for the important period after they have passed their test and are vulnerable new drivers by offering tuition on peer pressure, tiredness, distraction, seatbelts, medication, alcohol and drugs.

The specialist Engage instructors take part in targeted training to make sure they can provide the extra support their young drivers need.

ADIs are invited to attend a training day to learn more about the client centred learning programme on Wednesday, January 13 at Winsford Constabulary HQ and to register to become Engage instructors.

Cllr Brian Clarke
Cllr Brian Clarke

Cabinet member for economic development and Infrastructure, Cllr Brian Clarke, said: “The Engage initiative has been running for several years and many local authorities across the country are now taking the initiative on board and enlisting ADIs to deliver the programme to their young learner drivers.

“Cheshire West and Chester Council have been involved for almost two years with the numbers of ADIs registering to become Engage instructors growing.

“The training day is a perfect time for driving instructors to become involved so that they too can help to reduce the number of incidents involving newly qualified young drivers on our roads that result in injuries.

“We want young and learner drivers to embark on their driving career with an Engage Instructor – who will be trained to help new drivers to better understand what it takes to be a good driver and how to cope in situations when they are out on the road on their own.”

If you are an approved driving instructor and would like to know more about the client-centered learning programme available to become a fully registered Engage ADI then e-mail the road safety team at roadsafety@cheshirewestandchestercouncil.gov.uk for further details.

Young and new drivers embarking on their driving career and looking to select a driving instructor registered through the Engage programme should visit www.engagedriving.co.uk for a list of driver trainers in the local area.