IAM RoadSmart joins forces with Young Driver Foundation to upskill next generation of drivers

Younger drivers are disproportionately involved in road traffic collisions

IAM RoadSmart supports early intervention as a way to make our roads safer

The UK’s leading road safety charity IAM RoadSmart is teaming up with the Young Driver Foundation (YDF) to promote road safety among youngsters. The Foundation provides driving lessons and skills for those aged between 4 and 17 and is dedicated to instilling safe and responsible driving habits in young people.

To support this new partnership, IAM RoadSmart CEO Antony Kildare will be heading to East Sussex for a Young Driver event on 17th February 2024 where 15-year-old Eddie Blake Peter will be taking part in a 30-minute supervised drive with one of the on-site Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs).

As we see more young people passing their driving test and beginning to experience the freedom of having their own car, IAM RoadSmart is dedicated to supporting young drivers. Department for Transport statistics* show that a quarter of fatalities on roads in Great Britain were aged 17 to 29 years old, despite this age group representing just 13% of all licence holders. Our Steering Futures Campaign aims to upskill young drivers and ensure they feel confident on the road for life.

IAM RoadSmart Chief Executive Antony Kildare said: “Evidence shows that younger drivers are more likely to engage in riskier behaviour behind the wheel, so anything we can do to help younger drivers hone their skills at an early stage could prevent a tragedy once they’ve passed their practical driving test. Our partnership with the Young Drivers Foundation is a natural fit as both organisations share the mission to instil safe and responsible driving habits in young people.”


To find out a little more about what Eddie will experience on the day - check out the below video: Driving lessons for 10 to 17 year olds (youtube.com)

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Notes to editors:

*DfT 2022 road safety report: https://www.gov.uk/government/...


Press contacts:
Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards, IAM Roadsmart
Rebecca Dundon, Press officer, IAM RoadSmart
Press office – +44 (0) 20 8996 9777 – press.office@iam.org.uk ENDS

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About IAM RoadSmart

IAM RoadSmart is the UK’s largest road safety charity. It has a vision of a society where all road users can safely and sustainably use the public highways together. It does this through a range of means including through the advanced driving and riding tests. IAM RoadSmart was formed in March 1956 and has over 75,000 members that supports its campaigns on road safety. At any one time there are over 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses.

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart products and services visit: www.iamroadsmart.com

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