NORTH Wales Police is the first force in the UK to adopt an initiative with the AA, aimed at tackling teenage road deaths.
The force has teamed up with the AA Charitable Trust to reduce casualties in a scheme that will see at-risk drivers targeted with free driver safety training.
Funded by the AA and developed specifically to help new drivers, the ‘Drive Smart’ scheme involves two-hour sessions with a qualified instructor from the AA Driving School.
The initiative, which has the support of transport ministers, focuses on improving safety as well as ‘eco-driving’ techniques to cut fuel consumption.
Police will approach young drivers with a history of collisions or offences such as driving without seat belts, using mobile phones while driving and speeding to nominate them for training.
If they decide to participate in the course, a supporting workbook will be sent and they will be expected to practise between sessions to get the most out of their training.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Shannon said: “Young drivers, particularly those with a poor driving record, are at most risk of being involved in a collision in which someone will die or be seriously injured.
“By targeting training at the right people, we will save lives.”
The charity’s director, AA president Edmund King, said: “Driving causes more teenage deaths than stabbings or drugs, with new drivers and their passengers accounting for one-in-five car deaths.
“By working with police to target those who are the biggest risk we can start to tackle this carnage.”
