Max Driver

Max Power mag launches driver training scheme

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 13 July 2004 / Loading comments

Almost 90% of young men think they are ‘good’ or ‘very good’ drivers despite the fact that almost two thirds describe their driving as ‘fast’ and a quarter admit that they are ‘aggressive’. These stark figures are released today by the RAC Foundation, from a survey of 1525 respondents conducted by Max Power magazine.

The report suggests that key safety messages are not being received by young drivers whose perception of their driving ability contrasts starkly with the actual facts.

Road casualties figures show that the Max Power survey age group (17 – 24) suffered the highest number of road deaths and serious injuries (3,144) of any age group of drivers, or other road users and was more than double the 25 – 29 driver age group (1,437).

The situation is made even worse by the death and serious injury toll among their passengers, with 2,290 17 – 24 year olds suffering fatal or serious injuries in collisions, almost four times as many as the next highest age group.

Asked to describe their driving:

86% rated themselves as ‘good’ or ‘very good’ drivers
73% considered their driving to be ‘controlled’
64% felt they were ‘confident’
54% felt they were ‘safe’
28% felt they were ‘considerate’
21% thought themselves ‘patient’

but in contrast:

62% described their driving as ‘fast’
2% described their driving as ‘slow’
38% described their driving as ‘risky’ or ‘exhilarating’
25% described their driving as ‘aggressive’

Asked what might make them a better driver, only 14% suggested reading the Highway Code. On a much more positive note however, there was widespread recognition of the potential benefits of further driver training with 75% believing that they would be safer drivers.

John Sootheran, Editor-in-Chief of Max Power said: "These crash statistics are shocking, but it is encouraging that many young drivers seem keen to improve their skills ." With that in mind, Max Power has teamed up with the Institute of Advanced Motorists to launch 'Max Driver' training.

"I’m convinced Max Driver will lower accident rates and insurance premiums among young drivers. I’ve done it. It’s brilliant, it’s fun to do and it’s taken my driving to another level." he continued.

Link: www.max-driver.com