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4 Oct 07Putting New Drivers On The Road To Safer Driving
A new course is being launched in Poole to help put young motorists on the road to safer driving.
Poole Adult Learning (PAL) and Dorset Police 
have joined forces to run a series of driver awareness courses for new drivers and their parents.
The course, believed to be the first of its kind in the region, is led by Dorset Police and aims to help new drivers develop a safe approach to driving. Parents are also invited along to offer their support and brush up on their own driving skills. Areas covered by the course include driver attitudes and concentration, observation skills, road positioning and motorway driving.
Statistics show that one in five new drivers have an accident in their first year, while one in three male drivers aged between 17 and 20 have an accident in the first year of driving.
Ian White, Business and Enterprise Manager, Poole Adult Learning, said: "These courses are the first of their kind in the region. We are working with Dorset Police to ensure that people attending the course come away with practical and theoretical knowledge that will make them better and safer drivers."
Brian Austin, Temporary Head of Education for Dorset Police, said: "We understand that teenagers and their parents' views of safe driving are often different. This course aims to show how they can work together so that the whole family can drive safely. The course will give teenagers the opportunity to learn how to improve their skills and equally give parents a chance to brush up on theirs, with the most up to date information on the rules of the road. We believe this course is an excellent opportunity to join forces with Poole Adult Learning to promote road safety for all."
Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Borough of Poole, said: "It is great that this course is allowing young drivers to develop their newly acquired skills while giving parents an opportunity to reflect on their attitudes to driving and road safety."
The three-hour driver awareness course will be held at Poole Adult Learning's facility in Oakdale on Saturday, October 27, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Further sessions will be held on November 17 and December 15. The course is aimed at young drivers who have passed their test and those with provisional licences. Drivers must be at least 17 years old to enrol on the course.
To find out more about the course or to book a place, contact Poole Adult Learning on 01202 262300.
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