Police scheme for young drivers

Police in Dumfries have launched a scheme to improve relations with boy and girl racers.

Officers from Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary have teamed up with a local motoring group to help make 17 to 25-year-olds safer behind the wheel.

They are using the Dumfries Cruise website to offer advice on road safety issues and traffic legislation.

So far this year, 25 people have been killed on the roads in Dumfries and Galloway.

The scheme aims to break down barriers between young drivers and the public.

Sgt Scott McLachlan from the road safety unit will liaise with Cruise.

He said: "We were concerned by the number of reports we received about young people driving irresponsibly.

"There was also some unease about the number of young drivers becoming involved in road traffic collisions.

"With this in mind we started looking at the different ways we could get our messages to young people in an accessible way."

Sgt McLachlan said so far they had developed a good rapport with young drivers through the website.

Jamie Carruthers, from Dumfries Cruise, said: "I know there are problems with younger drivers racing about the towns but that has nothing to do with the Cruise.

"We share the public's concerns and don't condone that type of behaviour.

"I thought if we could work with the police we would be able to help get the road safety message and advice on legal matters out to our members."

I work for Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service and in conjunction with the Police and Ambulance Service, aimed at the final year kids called 'Drive Survive'. They are brought into fire hq for the day and given presentations from Roads Policing, a paramedic then an A & E Consultant who gives a hard hitting talk with actual victim photos and x-rays (three students actually passed out the afternoon I sat in!) then they are taken to our 'mock-up' section of motorway were they hear from a Highways Agency Officer about their work on the motorway, then we give a 'cutting out' demo.
The final segment is the most hard hitting. A lady whos 25 year old son was killed by a hit and run drunken driver talks to the group about her experience. Tears stream down her cheeks as she talks to the group and no-one can fail to be moved by what she has to say. (including myself) I believe everyone left that afternoon much wiser....I hope so.

QUOTE (Bazza @ December 23, 2006 04:39 pm)

then they are taken to our 'mock-up' section of motorway were they hear from a Highways Agency Officer about their work on the motorway

Must be interesting

So we pick up debris, then we look after broken downs and oh did I tell you we also pick up debris

QUOTE (Oldbillplod @ December 23, 2006 06:53 pm)

QUOTE (Bazza @ December 23, 2006 04:39 pm)

then they are taken to our 'mock-up' section of motorway were they hear from a Highways Agency Officer about their work on the motorway

Must be interesting

So we pick up debris, then we look after broken downs and oh did I tell you we also pick up debris

No Bill, they give very good advice on what to do in case of motorway breakdowns and accidents, the Supervisor who gives thhe chat is a retired traffic Inspector.