Time-stretched and complacent drivers could be risking the safety of their most precious cargo when they undertake the school run, and a Shropshire motoring charity is urging motorists who regularly do the school run to review the standard of their driving by taking a quick and easy Institute of Advanced Motoring DriveCheck test.
David Carless, who is the Chairman of the Shropshire Group of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (SGIAM), explains: “the one hour DriveCheck assessment costs just £25 and is conducted by a highly experienced SGIAM advanced observer in the driver’s own vehicle”.
“Many thousands of children across Shropshire are driven to school in term time,” comments David. “Congestion around school entrances, children crossing the road between parked cars and time constraints on busy parents trying to get to school and work on time can create very stressful and hazardous driving conditions.
"Our assessors offer encouragement and suggestions for improvement. Designed to boost confidence, raise awareness of hazards and improve vital observation skills."
The purpose of DriveCheck is to provide drivers with positive feedback on their motoring skills and behaviours. It is not a test, there’s no pass or fail, but the assessor will help school run drivers develop the skills and strategies to manage the uniquely stressful driving circumstances the school run throws up.
It’s every parents’ worst nightmare, and the statistics for Shropshire are startling; between 2004 and 2008, across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin, there were 125 collisions involving people aged 0-15 years on their way to or from school.
And while 30% of Shropshire’s pupils currently travel to school by car the onus is on those driving them to be aware of those in and around the school zone.
John Morris, who is the Institutes Chief Observer, adds: “A child is the most precious cargo you can carry. Mums and dads, and increasingly grandparents too, should consider taking just one hour out of their day for a DriveCheck to increase their confidence and capability.”
Anyone holding a full driving licence is eligible to participate in a DriveCheck. Courses can be booked through the Shropshire Advanced Motorists’ website, www.advancedmotorists.org or by telephoning 0845 0945 650
