Driving courses can help vital knowledge resurface

Many people need driving courses to remind themselves of vital safety information, it has been claimed.

Paul Staple, the manager of Alconbury Driving Centre, told local publication the Evening Telegraph that motorists can make sure this information is at the forefront of their brains by taking additional lessons.

These might cover special situations such as driving into bright sunshine, or carrying out an emergency stop with an automatic braking system at a high speed.

Mr Staple pointed out that employers actually have a duty of care to minimise their staff's risk of an accident if driving is an integral part of their work, so those who regularly use business car hire may want to speak to their bosses about going on a course.

"Driving a car is the most dangerous thing we do on a day-to-day basis. For many people the car is an extension of their work, and the best insurance they can have is their own skills and knowledge," added the driving safety expert.

Another piece of road safety advice recently issued was the need for people to leave their mobile phones well alone whilst driving.  

An £800,000 campaign entitled 'No Excuse' is aimed at stopping people from calling or texting when they are behind the wheel. Pat Garrett, head of safety, education and enforcement services and chair of the Dorset Road Safe Tactical Group, even suggested switching off phones when driving.