RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
June 8, 2000
NEW PARENTS URGED TO CHECK THEIR DRIVING SKILLS
New mums and grandparents are among those being targeted by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in an effort to reduce road accidents.
Motorists who want to improve their driving and boost their confidence behind the wheel are being offered driving assessments by RoSPA.
The Society believes the checks will be particularly useful to new mothers, who may have been off the road for a while, older people concerned about changing traffic conditions and those who have to prove they drive safely for their job.
But almost any driver could benefit from the initiative which is backed by GEM - the Guild of Experienced Motorists - and launched next week (Tues, June 13).
Bob Smalley, RoSPA Chief Driving Examiner, said: "Driving standards often deteriorate quickly after someone has passed their test. Bad habits begin to creep in and are accentuated as each year goes by. Other people lose confidence either because they have been off the road for a while or because of the demanding traffic conditions.
"Our assessors will take people on a 45-minute drive and point out the things they do well, and the areas on which they could improve so that they will be less likely to have accidents. We will also advise on where they can obtain further help."
He said new mothers had sometimes not driven for a while, or wanted to be sure they were driving as safely as possible for their baby’s sake. Grandparents transporting children might have similar concerns as more than 3,400 under-fives were injured in cars in 1998.
Britax, the UK’s leading child car seat manufacturer, will issue information about the scheme with its products. Peter Archer, Britax Managing Director, said: "We test our seats to meet the highest standards - this project will help to ensure that they do not have to be tested in real crash situations."
Assessments will also benefit older drivers, particularly those approaching retirement and finding they have more time for leisure motoring, or those who are unsure of their abilities in heavy traffic.
Assessments cost £35. Details from RoSPA Driver Services 0121 248 2099.
