Shropshire's Deputy Chief Fire Officer has been appointed President of the county branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
Paul Raymond, who is responsible for road safety with the county fire service, takes over from Chief Superintendent Guy Rutter who has moved to a new job at Worcester police HQ.
In his new role Mr Raymond will be helping members of the Shropshire Group to encourage motorists to take the advanced driving course and test to become better drivers on Shropshire roads and continue the partnership campaign to reduce road crashes and injuries.
"I am really pleased to have been asked to become President of the Shropshire Group and I am looking forward to doing all I can to help promote the IAM and all their good work," said Mr Raymond, whose brigade was praised by Government watchdogs for contributing towards reducing annual motorcycle deaths in one part of the county from 10 to zero.
"Road safety in Shropshire is very important to us at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service as our firefighters see the traumatic injuries and tragic loss of life on almost a daily basis. We are proactive with many partner organisations in helping to educate motorists to slow down and take more care while driving.
"Becoming a member of the Shropshire Group IAM is something that Shropshire motorists should consider and I will be doing all I can to support them."
David Carless, chairman of Shropshire Group IAM, welcomed the Deputy Chief Fire Officer to his new role and also urged more motorists to consider taking the advanced driving test.
"Passing the advanced driving test not only makes you a safer driver but also means that with the driving techniques gained there should be less wear and tear on your vehicle and improved fuel economy. As a member of the IAM you would be entitled to a number of benefits.
"We are attracting all sorts of drivers from more mature motorists who haven't picked up the highway code for 30 years to young drivers who have just passed their test. Many women took our course last year and it has proved to be a great confidence booster."
