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| ASTRA - Active Strategy To Reduce Accidents | ||
Q. How many young people receive a provisional licence on their birthday and a series of lessons in a car or on a motorbike? A. Thousands. But it is only a short learning path from obtaining the licence to driving freely on the road, however not all young people can handle it. Q. So why is the desire to drive so strong? A. The excitement and adventure associated with driving and to become mobile and independent. Q. Who tells young people how vulnerable they are and what driving is really like? Who tells them how many young people die? Who educates young people about motoring? A. ASTRA does! |  |   Instructors Needed |
Background The County Council's Road Safety Unit is joining forces with Warwickshire Police to deliver their established and award winning ASTRA course in Warwickshire's schools. To assist young drivers avoiding accidents, Warwickshire Traffic Police developed the ASTRA strategy some years ago. The scheme consists of a series of short, hard hitting modules of approximately one hour each, targeting the pre and post driver age groups in senior schools. Year groups 11,12 and 13 who are about to embark on their driving career, or have just begun are one of the most vulnerable groups of drivers as highlighted by national and local statistics. The scheme emphasises the social responsibility that all people have when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle. ASTRA looks into assumption, over confidence in technology and how we tend to forget the real risks which we face on a daily basis. It provides a real-life perspective on the risks involved for young drivers. Objectives The objective of ASTRA is to try to influence young people's attitudes towards specific aspects of motoring and road user behaviour. It examines very deeply our attitudes towards speed management, drink and drugs and passenger responsibilities. At the end of the programme students will be able to:
Road Death So you think it will never happen to you? This interactive discussion informs the students about accident statistics and their impending membership of the highest risk group by virtue of their age. The message, that too many young people have accidents and are dying on our roads as a result of traffic collisions, is forcefully and simply delivered by grieving relatives. It is emphasised that it is often the innocent party that suffers, impacting on the driver, peer group and family. Motorway safety What as a motorist do I do when a breakdown occurs on the hard shoulder of the motorway? If as a result, an accident happens, what do I do then? All the procedures are covered in some detail to give students a good understanding of the set routine if they break down or have a collision. The financial reality So you want to drive? This is an interactive workshop in which students are given a specific amount of money to buy a car of their choice and run it for one year. The choice of vehicle covers all types - sports, hatchback and saloons, which must of course be insured and have the appropriate care and maintenance given to it. This module looks at the whole cost and responsibility of owning, maintaining and financing a vehicle. Speed and impacts So you think you can drive and drive fast? This session covers road rage, dangerous and careless driving and basics such as road observations, stopping distances etc. The workshop uses visual aids to graphically demonstrate all these facets of driving. Stress, drink and drugs So you think you can have a drink? This element of the strategy informs students about the effects of drinking alcohol (and taking drugs) and outlines Police procedures and powers in relation to those offences. The consequences are clearly outlined as to future effects on conviction. The responsibility of the driver concerning passengers and other road users is strongly delivered. Passengers themselves must also be aware of their responsibilities. Car Care for Life No matter how short the journey or how quiet the road, we can never underestimate the value of sound car safety. Accident recording So what do I do if it does happen? Using a practical exercise the complexity of insurance claims following a collision is demonstrated. The students are presented with a minor collision and they have to obtain the details required in law. Also they have to obtain all those extra details the insurance company require. For further information contact: Warwickshire Road Safety Unit Email: roadsafety@warwickshire.gov.uk Tel: 01926 418037 | ||
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