Drivers’ attitudes towards improving their driving are getting better according to experts on road safety from the Thames Valley area although speeding violations have increased. The number of speeding offenders increased from 120,000 up to 124,000 from the 2008/2009 period to the 2009/2010 period.
Despite this fact, the Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership is pleased that more speeding drivers chose to take an awareness course instead of taking just the penalty and points, which is a first since the course became an option back in 2003. However, the Association of British Drivers stated that the course is a ‘waste of time.’
A Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership spokesman stated that 2009/2010 was the first time period in which offenders chose to take the course in high numbers instead of penalty points.
The spokeswoman stated that courses have been proven to alter driver behaviour positively, making it less likely that they will speed again.
Thames Valley policewoman, Claire Benson, stated that driver education has become a great part of enforcement follow-up with a focus on educating drivers instead of alienating.
However, Association of British Drivers member Roger Lawson criticized the courses stating they were too soft and that they do not improve safety on the road because people only take them to get around points on their license.
