EU Road Safety Programme a 'missed opportunity' for driver training, says IAM

Article added: 21 Jul 2010 10:30

The new EU road safety initiative has failed to take driver training into consideration beyond the learner test, according to the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists), which has expressed its disappointment with the new EU Road Safety Programme (2011-2020).

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said: 'This is a missed opportunity to highlight the benefits of a lifelong learning approach to driving. There is convincing evidence that further training makes drivers safer, and could be relatively cost-effective compared to some of the other suggestions which involve massive changes to cars and roads.'

The IAM said that it welcomes the new Europe-wide focus on motorcycle safety that the programme brings, but still has concerns about proposals for post-test probationary periods, which have yet to prove any long-term benefit.

Mr Greig added: 'A common education and training strategy for safer roads will go a long way towards reducing the number of crashes involving foreign drivers here in the UK. It is essential that training standards in the UK do not slip, and that the role of post-test and business driver training is recognised.'

Category: Risk Management
Keywords: IAM,