South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership
News
18 Nov 2024
Students on the road to safety
A package of road safety sessions is being offered to young people who are preparing for their test or have recently passed their driving test.
Casualty statistics show that 17-24-year-olds are more at risk of being involved in a traffic collision because of a lack of driving experience, a desire to take risks and in-car distractions.
As part of a new initiative, schools, sixth forms, training providers and colleges in Rotherham and Sheffield are being offered a trio of workshops tailored to the travel needs of their students.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “When you are starting to learn to drive, or have just passed your test, there is so much to take in and it can be overwhelming.
“We have designed a package of training sessions suitable for Year 11 students right through to those who have passed their test which we hope will equip them with the knowledge to make safe and positive choices on the road.
“Unfortunately, young drivers are over-represented in road casualty statistics, and we are working with our communities to address the reasons why. That way we can offer solutions and engage directly with the young people at risk of road harm.”
In Sheffield in 2023, 84 17-24-year-olds were injured in a road traffic collision – five fewer young people than the year before.
As part of their casualty reduction plans, Sheffield and Rotherham Councils are working in partnership to deliver sessions on topics ranging from the Highway Code and e-scooters to hazard perception and the theory test.
“Our RoadStart and LearnStart workshops will offer practical tips and information on the driving test itself, through to choosing a car and the cost of insurance,” added Cllr Miskell added.
“There will also be a session on the Fatal Four – the leading contributory factors in crashes – which will focus on reducing the opportunities to make negative choices by applying behaviour change techniques.
“We are also hoping to develop this learning further by working with parents of pre and novice drivers, answering any questions they may have. It’s all part of our commitment to Vision Zero, which is our strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.”
Students from King Ecgberts’ Sixth Form in Sheffield (pictured below) took part in a Learn Start session, discussing issues from insurance and electric cars to penalty points.
A school spokeswoman said: “We have been working with the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership for many years. Their sessions are engaging and informative.
“As students and their peers start to learn to drive, the impact of their actions can have far wider consequences for themselves and others so making sure they have good advice at this stage is vital.”
Schools, colleges or training providers interested in any of the courses can email: john.furniss@sheffield.gov.uk
Casualty statistics show that 17-24-year-olds are more at risk of being involved in a traffic collision because of a lack of driving experience, a desire to take risks and in-car distractions.
As part of a new initiative, schools, sixth forms, training providers and colleges in Rotherham and Sheffield are being offered a trio of workshops tailored to the travel needs of their students.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “When you are starting to learn to drive, or have just passed your test, there is so much to take in and it can be overwhelming.
“We have designed a package of training sessions suitable for Year 11 students right through to those who have passed their test which we hope will equip them with the knowledge to make safe and positive choices on the road.
“Unfortunately, young drivers are over-represented in road casualty statistics, and we are working with our communities to address the reasons why. That way we can offer solutions and engage directly with the young people at risk of road harm.”
In Sheffield in 2023, 84 17-24-year-olds were injured in a road traffic collision – five fewer young people than the year before.
As part of their casualty reduction plans, Sheffield and Rotherham Councils are working in partnership to deliver sessions on topics ranging from the Highway Code and e-scooters to hazard perception and the theory test.
“Our RoadStart and LearnStart workshops will offer practical tips and information on the driving test itself, through to choosing a car and the cost of insurance,” added Cllr Miskell added.
“There will also be a session on the Fatal Four – the leading contributory factors in crashes – which will focus on reducing the opportunities to make negative choices by applying behaviour change techniques.
“We are also hoping to develop this learning further by working with parents of pre and novice drivers, answering any questions they may have. It’s all part of our commitment to Vision Zero, which is our strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.”
Students from King Ecgberts’ Sixth Form in Sheffield (pictured below) took part in a Learn Start session, discussing issues from insurance and electric cars to penalty points.
A school spokeswoman said: “We have been working with the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership for many years. Their sessions are engaging and informative.
“As students and their peers start to learn to drive, the impact of their actions can have far wider consequences for themselves and others so making sure they have good advice at this stage is vital.”
Schools, colleges or training providers interested in any of the courses can email: john.furniss@sheffield.gov.uk
