ROSPA focuses on learner drivers in Family Safety Week

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has launched a new version of its special website for parents and others who help learner drivers with private practice.

Marking the half-way point in its first-ever Family Safety Week, RoSPA is focusing on learner drivers as it seeks to raise awareness of safety issues affecting young people. It is urging the parents of learner drivers to make a pledge to find out how they can better help their children during the learning period.

The website gives advice about how to supervise private practice sessions, with tips for what to do before, during and after drives. It has been completely refreshed for the first time since its launch in 2006, thanks to funding from the Department for Transport.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA’s head of road safety, said: “New drivers are more likely to be involved in high speed crashes, crashes caused by losing control of the vehicle, crashes in the dark and crashes when overtaking and negotiating bends. However, research shows that the more driving experience learners obtain, in a wide range of driving situations, the safer they are likely to be when they start to drive on their own.

“The family and friends of learner drivers can help them to become safer by offering to take them out for private practice. It’s really useful if private practice can be co-ordinated with professional lessons, so we encourage supervisors to talk to the driving instructor to find out when to start and what to cover in the sessions.”