Free safety resources developed for new drivers
IAM RoadSmart has produced free evidence-based resources to help new drivers pass their tests and develop safer driving habits.
The road safety charity has collaborated with behavioural scientist Dr Elizabeth Box, the RAC Foundation and the motoring organisation the RAC to create resources designed to support young drivers throughout the learning process and beyond.
The resources focus on the key role parents and guardians can play in supporting safer driving behaviours during supervised practice and the transition to independent driving.
They include practical guidance for supervised practice as well as best practice hints and tips to help parents and guardians support learning, qualified instructor informed checklists designed to help learners build driving skills, and a framework to help families set clear, co-operative expectations around vehicle access and safer independent driving from the outset.
High-risk group
IAM RoadSmart director of policy and communications Nicholas Lyes said: “Young drivers continue to be a high-risk group and although the UK government has set out reforms to the learning process, road safety experts felt compelled to establish optional tools to bolster safety right now.
“The evidence shows parental engagement can have a positive impact on the learning and safety of new drivers, so we’re delighted to be able to launch these new supporting materials with other road safety advocates which we believe can help reduce the number of young drivers involved in serious collisions.”
Important role
Dr Elizabeth Box, director of ECM Research Solutions, added: “The learning-to-drive period can be both exciting and daunting for parents, guardians and young drivers alike. International evidence shows that parents and guardians play a hugely important role in shaping early driving habits and behaviours, both during learning and after a test has been passed.
“Yet many families in the UK currently receive very little practical guidance on how to support young drivers through supervised practice and the early months of solo driving.
“While information alone will not solve the challenges facing novice driver safety, providing accessible, evidence-based support is an important first step, and we hope these resources will help families feel more confident, encourage constructive conversations and support safer driving during the transition from learning to driving independently.”
