RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
July 14, 2005
RoSPA’S ADVANCED DRIVERS CELEBRATE 50 YEARS ON THE ROAD
The RoSPA Advanced Drivers’ Association – RoADA – is to celebrate 50 years of helping to make UK roads safer.
The association pioneered the idea of improving driving skills – a concept that is even more important today with 95 per cent of accidents having human error as a major cause.
Dr Stephen Ladyman, the Transport Minister, will speak at a RoADA Golden Jubilee reception at noon at the House of Lords on Tuesday, July 19. Representatives from more than 50 RoADA groups around the country will attend.
Bob Smalley RoSPA’s Chief Driving Examiner, said: “Advanced driving has had a major influence on many of the changes we have seen to improve the driving test, including the recently-introduced hazard perception tests.
“Research has shown that advanced drivers have significantly fewer accidents than other drivers, and if they have accidents they are likely to be less serious.
“We are always looking to recruit new members and are particularly keen to welcome vulnerable road users, such as young drivers and motorcyclists. There has been a big increase in motorcycle membership in recent times, but all drivers and riders could benefit from brushing up on their skills and ironing out bad habits.”
RoADA has more than 7,000 voluntary members who help people to be safer on the road. They prepare associate members for the RoSPA Advanced Driving Test. Those who pass are graded at bronze, silver or gold level.
Having passed, they can become full members and the subscription for their local group includes a free test every three years to maintain their high driving standard.
Details about joining can be found at www.roada.org.uk or by ringing 0121 248 2099.
RoADA began life in 1955 as the League of Safe Drivers. It was an independent body with groups of members and examiners in many parts of the country. Members were required to take tests at regular intervals and those who passed were subject to a three-tier grading system.
By 1980 the organisation had become large and unwieldy and it was decided that RoSPA should take it over. At first it was know as the RoSPA League of Safe Drivers, but within two years, at the request of the membership, had changed its name to the RoSPA Advanced Drivers’ Association.
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RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
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