Young drivers to get 'black box' device

YOUNG drivers are going to be given the green light for safer driving when they sign up to a new Staffordshire County Council initiative.

The Young Driver Programme, which was launched this week, involves having high-tech equipment fitted into a learner driver's car to monitor how well they drive.

The black box records acceleration, cornering and other driver behaviours – giving instant feedback on a dashboard warning light system – and feeding into a computer record back home.

The Road Safety Unit at Staffordshire County Council has developed the programme which sees the unit, driving instructors, the novice driver and their parent or guardian working together.

By looking at their driving patterns with their families and road safety trainers, young drivers can learn about how to improve and develop their driving skills.

Staffordshire County Council cabinet member for road safety, Carol Dean from Tamworth, said young drivers were a huge area of concern.

"Over 40 per cent of those killed and seriously injured on Staffordshire's roads are aged 17 to 25 – but they are only 10 per cent of the population," she said.

"That's why this and wider young people's safety campaigns are so important."

From the October 23 edition of the Herald – in the shops now.