RAC to continue schools driving simulator programme
29 December 2002: The RAC is to continue its programme of bringing its driving simulator to schools and universities around Ireland for 2003, following a similar programme aimed at Transition Year students during 2002.
RAC Ireland’s Robert Taylor says shortcomings in current instruction are responsible for Ireland's high road accident rate. “Our approach therefore is not based solely on giving people a better chance of passing their driving and theory tests but it wants to turn out new drivers whose attitude and approach to motoring matches their recently acquired licence,” he said in a comment on proposals to implement a driving training mudule into the second-level school curriculum.
“The driving simulator in particular is essential for drivers that are nervous or anxious about getting into a car for the first time. Drivers are able to practice techniques in a dynamic situation via a computer simulator, whilst not having to worry about real life situations, other motorists or anyone watching or distracting them.
“The simulator is also used to educate students in transition year who are not old enough to drive but at an age just before they are about to start, hence giving them some basic driving practice in a safe environment.”
Research has shown that young drivers targeted at an early age are more responsible when they do actually start driving since they have been exposed to some worthwhile experience.