Young benefit from driving course

The course, launched by West Sussex County Council as part of its casualty reduction programme, aims to develop skills not taught in regular driving lessons.

Dr Stephen Ladyman, government minister for road safety, said: "Most young people do take a responsible approach to gaining experience, but it is a concern that some drivers do not behave responsibly and put themselves and other road users at risk." The course has been attended by more than 1,500 young people, including students from Steyning Grammar School and King's Manor Community College, Shoreham.

It includes a session on a skid pan to show how best to avoid a skid and what to do if one occurs, a practical assessment and feedback on driving techniques from an advanced instr-uctor.

Lieutenant Colonel Tex Pem-berton, West Sussex County Council's member for highways and transport, said: "We launched the course because statistics show that, while young people aged 17 to 25 represent only 10 per cent of UK licence holders, they are involved in more than 20 per cent of all accidents.

"The course we have developed seeks to address these issues in a lively and informative way."

For more information, go to www.westsussex.gov.uk