Reality check for young drivers
ROAD safety experts put on a show to warn young drivers and motorcyclists about the risks and dangers they face.
The Plymouth Casualty Reduction Partnership held its roadshow and Show and Shine event at Plympton Fire Station with a packed programme of interactive displays and activities for visitors.
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Firefighters demonstrate action taken at a road accident
It was the first such event organised by the partnership and saw young drivers and riders meet with other enthusiasts, gaining valuable advice from road safety experts and motoring professionals.
The partnership is made up of a number of agencies, all with the same aim of reducing the number of fatalities and injuries on the roads in and around the city.
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They include Plymouth City Council, the emergency services, driving instructors, Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership, Plymouth and District Advanced Motorists, Plymouth Advanced Motorcyclists and Lyons Davidson.
Suzanne Keith, council road safety officers said: "It's too easy to think that once you've passed your test you know all there is to know about driving.
"Statistics show that one in every five newly qualified drivers has a crash within a year.
"The simple fact is it takes new drivers and riders longer to react to hazardous situations than more experienced drivers and riders.
"If you couple that with excessive speed, or distractions such as loud music or noisy passengers, you are increasing the risk of a crash even more.
"We want young drivers to make the most of their cars without putting themselves and other road users in danger."
Firefighters brought along a host of vehicles which they use to showcase traffic incidents, including their Mitsubishi Evo, VW Driving Simulator, VW Young Drivers Education Vehicle as well as Ducati and MV Augusta motorcycles.
Watch manager Mark Wood said: "All these vehicles are used throughout Devon and Somerset to help improve drivers and motorcyclist's safety through raising awareness and encouraging behaviour changes as well as trying to promote driving and riding skills improvement.
"We also try to alert all road users to the dangers on the road and the consequences of risk taking.
"We're encouraging car drivers to notice motorcyclists and start thinking more about the person riding the motorcycle.
"We also want motorcyclists to take steps to manage and reduce their own personal risk."
Comments
by AndAgain
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 3:52PM
“You cant save everyone ...Deal with it.”
by drt346ys
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 10:14AM
“I watched a young lad on a Trails bike ride a couple of feet off my back bumper yesterday. The bike had L plates on and he was in a T shirt. Whilst a couple of feet away from me doing just over 30 MPH, he took both hands off the handlebars and swung them by his side. He wouldn't have even reached the handlebars if I'd had to brake sharply - a potential statistic I think!”
by josdave
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 8:39AM
“"The simple fact is it takes new drivers and riders longer to react to hazardous situations than more experienced drivers and riders.
"If you couple that with excessive speed, or distractions such as loud music or noisy passengers, you are increasing the risk of a crash even more."
This has been known for some years now and still the shocking waste of young lives goes on. I hope this scheme goes some way towards improving the mindset of young drivers/motorcyclists as it has got to stop some time. For one thing the astronomical insurance costs due to the high risk factor may put some off but what needs to change is the attitude problem so many seem to have.”