DRIVING instructors from Crow Country have been test driving a new initiative aimed at reducing road accidents caused by distracted drivers. Twelve driving instructors and police representatives from the Royston area attended the pilot session of the dr

DRIVING instructors from Crow Country have been test driving a new initiative aimed at reducing road accidents caused by distracted drivers.

Twelve driving instructors and police representatives from the Royston area attended the pilot session of the "driven from distraction" course, held at Royston Fire Station.

The course is designed to highlight the dangers of being distracted behind the wheel to learner and new drivers, and the instructors were asked to give their professional opinion on the course, which included a presentation and demonstration.

Royston Fire Station Commander, Sean Comerford, said afterwards: "This course is aimed at making new drivers aware of the dangers and consequences of being distracted while driving.

"Statistics show that new drivers under 30 are at a higher risk of being involved in a collision. We want to educate people at the beginning of their driving career, and hopefully before they pick up any bad habits."

Feedback from the session was said to be "excellent", and the instructors all pledged their support for the initiative and will recommend their students attend the course.

"I am really pleased to have the support of the local driving instructors, who, as the first point of contact for new drivers, will recommend the course to their students," added station commander Comerford.

"If new drivers are made aware of the risks involved and the danger to their own life, their passengers and other road users, they will hopefully think twice before taking their concentration away from the road," he said.

The course will be held at least once a month, with the first one taking place on Thursday, April 29.

For further information about this course, contact Royston Fire Station on 01763 822100.