A scheme to turn novice young drivers into advanced motorists in Shropshire in a bid to cut road deaths has proved a success, said the Chief Fire Officer, who is responsible for road safety for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Paul Raymond, who is President of the county branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, praised the innovative scheme which has seen 30 young drivers aged between 17 and 25 take up the offer for advanced driver tuition at county fire stations.
Shropshire IAM chairman David Carless urged more young people, particularly students, to take up the offer of becoming advanced drivers during their Summer holidays.
Mr Raymond presented two of the latest recruits with their advanced drivers certificates at the annual meeting of the Shropshire Group IAM held at Shirehall in Shrewsbury.
"This is a truly worthwhile training programme which gives young drivers the skills to stay safe on our roads."
Firefighters hoped that the training would reduce the numbers of people, especially young adults, who they had to cut free from the wreckage of crashed cars, said Mr Raymond.
Self confessed car "fanatic" Richard Brindley (25), a staff nurse at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, urged more young drivers to enrol.
"It's a brilliant scheme. Just do it. It's fantastic and has taught me a lot. I know much more about positioning on the road and how to overtake safely and how to enjoy driving safely," said Richard, of Roundthorn Close, Bridgnorth.
