RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

May 19, 2003
SEEKING BRITAIN’S BEST YOUNG DRIVERS

The hunt is on to find the best young drivers in Britain.

The competition, organised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Advanced Drivers Association, is aimed at drivers up to 24 years-old – the group most at risk on our roads. Prizes will include tickets to the British Grand Prix, CIS insurance vouchers to the value of £1,000 and entry and training to race in the Uniroyal Team Challenge at a major UK circuit.

Bob Smalley, RoSPA’s Chief Driving Examiner, said: “Young drivers are most at risk of death and serious injury. This competition will allow them to have their driving assessed by an expert and learn how they can improve so that they are less likely to have accidents. But they will also be testing their ability against others of their age.

“Forty regional winners and runners-up will go through to the final at the Silverstone Circuit in the autumn where, as well as a road test, they will undergo skid training, a manoeuvrability exercise and a Highway Code test. There will be a special section for teenage drivers.”

Regional heats, sponsored by Co-operative Insurance Society (CIS), are to be held at Brands Hatch Circuits Ltd venues: Brands Hatch (South East– June 8), Silverstone (South Midlands – June 15), Donington Park (East Midlands – June 22), Oulton Park (North – June 29) and Snetterton (East – June 29). Other heats will be at Cwmbran Driving Centre (Wales – June 8), Strathclyde Police Training Centre (Scotland – June 22) and Devon Driving Centre (South West - June 29). Entrants can choose the venue most suitable for them. There will be trophies for heat winners.

It is the twelfth year of the competition, which was founded through the Catherine Kenyon Trust Young Driver of the Year. RoSPA’s growing involvement means that this is the first time regional events have been arranged. Previously people won a place in the final by answering questionnaires.

All that drivers need to do is to turn up in a roadworthy car with the relevant documents, but it is best to book a slot in advance through a regional contact (see www.youngdriver.org.uk). Entrants will be assessed by a half-hour drive on public roads.

CIS is backing the event as part of its commitment to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Other prizes: a Jordan grand prix team testing day, U-POL web-TV sets, Uniroyal tyres, Mintex and Autoglym car accessories, £500 worth of prizes from the Maine Group for teenagers and Green Flag membership.