We know from statistical evidence that the majority of those KSIs (killed and seriously injured) involving new and young drivers, aren’t as a result of poor driving skill. In other words, the mirror-signal-manoeuvre technical skills taught by driving instructors and required to pass a driving test aren’t so much of an issue as the lack of decision-making skills and understanding of the dangers faced by new drivers.

We know that 17-24 year old drivers are at a greater risk when on our roads. One way this risk can be reduced is to spend more time learning prior to taking the test. In particular, learner drivers should spend time developing their decision-making skills and understanding of the dangers faced by new drivers.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is working hard to reduce the numbers of people killed and seriously injured on the region’s roads by providing funding to the Community Safety Partnership in Plymouth to deliver a unique road safety initiative.

The Honest Truth has secured funding to provide a targeted road safety initiative to learner drivers in collaboration with driving instructors during their lessons using unique and striking visuals delivered in a simple way.  The intervention is evidence-based and will be evaluated.

Driving Instructors in the Plymouth area are being asked to come forward to help deliver lifesaving road safety messages.

Alison Hernandez said “Young people are at more risk on our roads when they are in the early years of motoring. Therefore I welcome measures that encourage new drivers to learn for longer and to learn how to cope with the distractions they face when behind the wheel. I am pleased to be working with the Honest Truth and the Plymouth Community Safety Partnership to provide this opportunity to learner drivers in the city.”

Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member Customer Focus and Community Safety at Plymouth City Council said:  “If there are any measures that can help keep young people safe, we are more than happy to support them.

“I was quite surprised to learn how little attention is paid to aspect of road safety when young drivers take to the road so welcome moves to change this. Simple, targeted guidance to young drivers from the very people they are taking instruction from makes absolute sense.”

Annette Lloyd, Head of The Honest Truth said, ‘We are delighted to have been awarded funding to deliver our road safety project to young drivers and are now asking driving instructors in Plymouth to get involved in the project. The road safety guidance we provide is simple to use and easy to deliver to their students. But, it could have an incredible impact long term on the safety of those young drivers.”

For more information contact [email protected].