An expert group that will advise the government on road safety issues was announced today by Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson.
The group, which will advise and inform the government as it develops a new 10-year strategy on road safety for Scotland, will consist of a number of leading thinkers on road safety.
The announcement follows the publication of road accident statistics by the Scottish Executive in June, which showed that 314 people died on Scotland’s roads in 2006, an increase of 10 per cent since 2005.
Today Stevenson named the panel as: John Vine, chief constable, ACPOS; Neil Greig, director, IAN Trust; Michael McDonnell, Road Safety Scotland; Steve Stradling, Professor of Transport Psychology, Napier University; Jane Greer, chair, Institute of Road Safety Officers and the first policewoman in Fife to achieve a Class 1 Advanced Driving Certificate; Dr Steve Lawson, technical director, Road Safety Foundation and European Road Assessment Programme; Kathleen Marshall, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People; and Bob McLellan, civil engineer and head of transportation services at Fife Council.
Stevenson said that too many lives are being “needlessly” lost on Scotland’s roads, with young drivers in particular taking unnecessary risks and putting lives in danger.
He added: "We need to think carefully about what more we can all do to stop the tragedies we are seeing week in, week out.
"The expert group I have announced today are some of the leading thinkers on road safety in this country. They are from a range of different backgrounds, and they will help us explore the options available to us all to try and halt the death toll on Scotland's roads.
"Each fatality is one too many, and from a government perspective, we want to produce a new 10 year strategy on road safety for Scotland. The expert panel will help inform that new strategy.
"We are absolutely committed to doing all we can to improve road safety across Scotland."
Readers have left 2 comments. 1. Chairman Ayr & District Advanced Motorists
Reg Tait, Unregistered We all trust that major progress will be achieved by the new Road Safety committee.
A recommendation would be that it is made compulsory for all new drivers to take some further education in driving after passing the Driving Standards Agency test.
This could be compulsory taking a Pass Plus course and then an Advanced / Defensive driving course with one of the many road safety driving charaties in Scotland or the U.k. that is affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists or RoSPA organisations.
A review could be undertaken that the minimal costs for taking a free course but paying for an Advanced Driving test could be subsidised for younger drivers.
Older drivers could also be made aware of updating their driving skills, getting rid of bad habits and learning new techniques in addition to updating temselves with the Highway Code.
Road Safety and Driving Safety should become second nature to all road users. 2. Chairman Ayr & District Advanced Motorists
Reg Tait, Unregistered The setting up of this advisory committee is very welcome.
Perhaps a continual learning process should be initiated for new drivers.
This would include taking the Pass Plus course and then gaining information and experience by joining an Advanced Drivers group such as the many road safety charities affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists or RoSPA ROADA groups.
This would give a continual learning process to new drivers at a vital time.
The so called experienced driver should also be encouraged to join an Advanced / Defensive driving group to renew and evaluate their own skills. It would also give them am opportunity to read the Highway Code for the first time in many years.
Road Safety should become a priority to all road users as well as drivers.
See the Ayr & District Advanced Motorists magazine for many tips on safety on the roads.
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