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10 steps that the UK driver training industry can take to improve road safety:

1. Implement graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs: A study conducted by the Department for Transport found that GDL programs have the potential to reduce accidents among young drivers by 20%. The UK currently does not have a GDL program, but countries like Australia and New Zealand have successfully implemented them.

2. Increase the amount of practical training: Research has shown that more practical training and experience can help new drivers become safer drivers. For example, a study in Sweden found that young drivers who had completed more hours of supervised driving had a lower risk of being involved in accidents.

3. Introduce mandatory driver training for older drivers: Older drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents, so offering refresher courses for older drivers could help improve road safety. A study in Australia found that older drivers who completed a refresher course had a lower risk of being involved in accidents.

4. Improve training for driving in adverse weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and fog, can increase the risk of accidents. Providing training on how to drive safely in these conditions could help reduce accidents. A study in Canada found that winter driving courses reduced the number of accidents during the winter months.

5. Increase awareness of the dangers of distracted driving: Distracted driving, such as using a mobile phone while driving, is a major cause of accidents. Providing education on the dangers of distracted driving could help reduce the number of accidents caused by this behaviour. In the UK, it is illegal to use a handheld phone while driving, but many drivers still do so.

6. Encourage the use of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS): ADAS, such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, can help reduce accidents. Encouraging the use of these systems could help improve road safety. A study in the US found that vehicles with ADAS were involved in 27% fewer accidents than those without.

7. Increase awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a major cause of accidents. Providing education on the dangers of this behaviour could help reduce the number of accidents caused by it. In the UK, the number of people killed or seriously injured in drink-drive accidents increased by 20% in 2019.

8. Offer training on eco-driving: Eco-driving involves driving in a way that reduces fuel consumption and emissions. Providing training on eco-driving could help reduce the environmental impact of driving and improve road safety. A study in the UK found that eco-driving reduced fuel consumption by an average of 8%.

9. Increase awareness of the dangers of speeding: Speeding is a major cause of accidents. Education on the dangers of speeding could help reduce the number of accidents caused by this behaviour. In the UK, 17% of all fatal accidents in 2019 were caused by excessive speed.

10. Promote cycling and walking: Encouraging people to cycle or walk instead of driving can help reduce the number of accidents on the roads. A study in the Netherlands found that increasing the number of people who cycle can help reduce the number of accidents involving cars and bicycles.

In summary, there are many steps that the UK driver training industry can take to improve road safety. These include implementing graduated driver licensing programs, increasing practical training, introducing mandatory driver training for older drivers, improving training for driving in adverse weather conditions, increasing awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, encouraging the use of advanced driver assistance systems, increasing awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, offering training on eco-driving, increasing awareness of the dangers of speeding.

By Chris Bensted