YOUNG people who involved in the driving initiative ‘Pathfinder’ have been found to be safer than their peers, according to new figures.
Pathfinder, which is supported by West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion through grant funding, is designed to reduce the number of road traffic incidents and collisions, and convictions, among the most vulnerable driving group – those aged 17 to 24.
And the statistics bear witness to its effectiveness with a one in 17 first-year accident rate compared to 1 in 5 for those who didn’t take the course.
Pathfinder involves working with the young people before they are 17 and in an environment where they can develop appropriate understanding of road risk, a positive attitude to road safety and the essential technical driving skills.
Not only does the course aim to reduce the number of collisions, but it has also been shown to reduce the number of convictions. Of the survey participants, only one driver (two per cent) had been convicted of a traffic offence compared with nearly 24 per cent of all drivers nationally.
PCC John Campion said: “It is great news to hear that the Pathfinder scheme is having a positive impact on those that have taken part in it.
“Giving young people the opportunity to learn key driving skills in an environment like this is invaluable.
“There are far too many accidents involving young people happening on our roads.
“Through projects like Pathfinder we can tackle this problem together and increase driver competence, attitudes and understanding.”
Paul Silverwood, chair of Trustees for the Under 17 Car Club Charitable Trust, said: “This latest survey is entirely consistent with previous surveys of our graduates.
“It proves that the disproportionately high numbers of young driver deaths, injuries and collisions are avoidable by applying the appropriate non-traditional training and education.
“If the Pathfinder programme was adopted nationally, the country would save billions of pounds in addition to the avoidance of family grief.”
