Award for school road safety qualification

A new road safety qualification developed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has won this year's Prince Michael International Road Safety Award.

The Safe Road User Award qualification is aimed primarily at 14-16 year olds. The course aims to influence young people's attitudes to road safety and give them a solid grounding in safe road use before they learn to drive. Holders who go on to learn to drive are entitled to take a shorter version of the car theory test.

The Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards are presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to road safety.

Announcing the award, HRH Prince Michael GCVO, said: "I am delighted to present this award. It is a pioneering and ingenious approach to senior school road safety education."

Jill Lewis, DSA's director of driver learning and development, said: "DSA is delighted to receive this special award for a special qualification. Not only does the Safe Road User Award increase students' knowledge and awareness about using the roads, ultimately it could also save their lives."

SQA is marketing the qualification to schools, colleges and other education providers across the UK. Although aimed at 14-16 year olds, it's open and relevant to everyone who uses the road, whether as a passenger, cyclist or pedestrian.

For more information, go to sqa.org.uk/sqa/35045.html.

Road Safety Week 2010

Organised by road safety charity Brake, this year's Road Safety Week is taking place from 22 to 28 November, with the theme 'Kids Say Slow Down!'

Brake is encouraging driving instructors to get involved in this year's activities. For information on how you can take part, visit roadsafetyweek.org, or brake.org.uk/drivinginstructor.