Young Drivers & Parents

Learning to drive is one of the most challenging experiences for both young road users (YRUs) and parents. Sadly, the statistics show that:

Almost 40% of those killed or seriously injured on Cheshire’s roads are aged between 17–25.
One in five will have a crash within 12 months of passing their test.
One in three males will have a collision within their first 2 years of passing their test.

Cheshire statistics reflect the national figures. A combination of inexperience and inappropriate road behaviour (e.g., speeding) means that all younger drivers are at a greater risk of being involved in a road collision compared with other types of drivers.

Cheshire Safer Roads Partnership works actively with local schools and colleges, driving schools and instructors, teachers and young people to help learner drivers and young motorists improve their driving ability and confidence, and increase road safety across the region. We also appreciate the fundamental role parents can play in helping their children make the transition from learner to independent driver and can offer them a wide range of resources.

Some of our initiatives reward drivers through potentially reduced insurance premiums, but, ultimately, the aim is to reduce collisions and casualties on our roads and promote responsible attitudes towards road use and road safety skills for life.

Different areas run a variety of schemes, including:

Pass Plus Xtra - A training course specifically aimed at new drivers, designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry.
Going Solo - Providing strategies for parents to assist newly qualified drivers as they make the transition from learning to drive with a supervisor, to the solo driving phase. These strategies are based on the latest scientific research known to be effective in reducing crash risk. Visit http://goingsolouk.com/ for more information.
Drive Survive - A short, intensive and stimulating event where YRUs are exposed to and asked to discuss the risks associated with being a driver, rider, passenger or pedestrian. Click here to find out more.
Bertie - An interactive workshop that encourages YRUs to think about the consequences and responsibilities of their actions when driving.
Cheers Bar - Educating people on the risks and dangers of drinking and driving.
Fatal Distractions - Looking at how motorists cannot divide their attention to lots of different things when driving.
Road Show - Promoting 4 main messages (slow down; wear your seat belt; don’t drink and drive; and consequences), this is an emotive theatre education project exploring the circumstances and consequences of a road traffic collision.

To find our more about these and other initiatives that are run across Cheshire, please contact your local road safety team:

Cheshire East: 01270 686 336

Cheshire West & Chester: 01244 976 713

Halton: 0151 471 7365

Warrington: 01925 442 691