JOYCE WATSON AM is urging younger constituents to take advantage of Pass Plus Cymru –an initiative to encourage young drivers to take the opportunity of further training.
Pass Plus Cymru helps drivers aged 17-25 living in Wales who've passed their driving tests to discover more driving techniques, hints and tips.
It offers a short, expert-led higher driving course designed for young people to develop road techniques and to widen experience and is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Labour Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales JOYCE WATSON AM said:
“It is simply unacceptable that there have been already been three fatal accidents involving 17-25 year olds in the Dyfed Powys Police area this year."
One in four car drivers killed or seriously injured in crashes in Wales is under 25, while Dyfed Powys had the highest rate of young drivers involved in fatal accidents in Wales in 2006 and joint highest from 2004-2006.
The Pass Plus course will help young drivers build on their existing skills and knowledge to help reduce their risk of being involved in a road crash.
“It will cost the young people £20, thanks to Welsh Assembly funding. That's just £20 to build your skills and confidence - and maybe save a life.
"The course covers heading off and on the motorway; driving techniques and hazard awareness; getting around at night; coping with busy towns and cities; driving on rural country roads and thinking ahead.
"You get better driving skills; more chance of lower insurance and less chance of a collision or injuring yourself, friends and others. Driving is your responsibility, so I would urge you to take action to become an even better driver.
By building on your driving skill, knowledge and hazard awareness, it can reduce your risk of being involved in a crash and help you qualify for a substantial discount with many insurance companies*.
“I would recommend that all young drivers take this opportunity to enhance their skills for the sake of their own safety on the roads, and that of their passengers.
"I am hopeful that this scheme can help us reduce the tragic losses of young lives that occur on roads in Wales.”
Pass Plus Cymru helps drivers aged 17-25 living in Wales who've passed their driving tests to discover more driving techniques, hints and tips.
It offers a short, expert-led higher driving course designed for young people to develop road techniques and to widen experience and is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Labour Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales JOYCE WATSON AM said:
“It is simply unacceptable that there have been already been three fatal accidents involving 17-25 year olds in the Dyfed Powys Police area this year."
One in four car drivers killed or seriously injured in crashes in Wales is under 25, while Dyfed Powys had the highest rate of young drivers involved in fatal accidents in Wales in 2006 and joint highest from 2004-2006.
The Pass Plus course will help young drivers build on their existing skills and knowledge to help reduce their risk of being involved in a road crash.
“It will cost the young people £20, thanks to Welsh Assembly funding. That's just £20 to build your skills and confidence - and maybe save a life.
"The course covers heading off and on the motorway; driving techniques and hazard awareness; getting around at night; coping with busy towns and cities; driving on rural country roads and thinking ahead.
"You get better driving skills; more chance of lower insurance and less chance of a collision or injuring yourself, friends and others. Driving is your responsibility, so I would urge you to take action to become an even better driver.
By building on your driving skill, knowledge and hazard awareness, it can reduce your risk of being involved in a crash and help you qualify for a substantial discount with many insurance companies*.
“I would recommend that all young drivers take this opportunity to enhance their skills for the sake of their own safety on the roads, and that of their passengers.
"I am hopeful that this scheme can help us reduce the tragic losses of young lives that occur on roads in Wales.”
Young drivers will be able to book a course online via a dedicated young drivers’ website: http://www.dragondriver.com/, or by phoning 08450 504255.
Pass Plus Cymru is an enhanced version of the Driving Standards Agency’s original Pass Plus scheme.
