News
Novice drivers urges to drive smart in Top Moto-BSM Competition
10 April 2006
Smrt2Drv (Smart To Drive) aims to encourage under 25s who have just passed the driving test to work at improving their levels of expertise to help them stay safe on the road, especially the motorway network.
In a competition on the Moto website (www.moto-way.co.uk) under the Smrt2Drv logo, a series of questions pushes the novice motorists to examine their responses to various motorway driving scenarios as well as testing their knowledge of the law.
In July, the top 25 entrants will be invited to a practical examination of their skills at the top-secret MIRA proving ground near Nuneaton, where the best driver on the day will win a brand new Daihatsu Sirion five-door hatchback.
The MIRA tests will be overseen by BSM experts and will include manoeuvring at speed, hazard perception and braking at motorway speeds on both wet and dry surfaces.
Brian Lotts, Moto’s managing director, said: “A recent study showed that the death rate among young drivers has doubled in the last five years, which makes the launch of Smart To Drive all the more pertinent. We are delighted to be playing a part – albeit a small one – in helping give these young drivers the skills they require to survive on a modern motorway.
“We are grateful for the partnership of BSM and for the assistance afforded us by MIRA in allowing us to use a super facility that is not normally open to members of the public.”
Robin Cummins, BSM’s Head of Road safety said:” We are very pleased to work with Moto in this way. Driving is a life skill that needs to develop over time and this programme offers newly qualified drivers the chance to learn more about the skills that are required in staying alert and safe in all traffic situations, especially on the motorway.”
Stuart Lovatt, Road Safety Action Plan Coordinator at the Highways Agency said: "The Highways Agency is pleased to work with Moto on this initiative that seeks to engage young drivers and to help raise awareness of the need to drive appropriately on the motorway network"
Would-be competitors should log on to the Moto website www.moto-way.co.uk and follow the Smrt2Drv links. Five runners-up will receive introductory advanced driving lessons, courtesy of BSM.
