Speed awareness courses work, so make them compulsory: Telegraph
A journalist from the Telegraph, who recently attended a National Speed Awareness Course, has called for the scheme to be made compulsory, describing her experience as ‘quite revelatory’.
The purpose of the National Speed Awareness Course (NSAC) is to provide education to eligible offenders, as an alternative to prosecution.
The courses are delivered by qualified and licensed NDORS trainers at venues throughout Essex.
In an opinion piece for the Telegraph, journalist Lucy Denyer outlines her experience of attending a NSAC, praising its educational value.
She said: “I learnt – or was reminded of, 20 years after sitting my driving test – plenty.
“Like the fact that streetlights on a road mean the speed limit is always 30mph (unless there is alternative signage), and that a dual carriageway is not demarcated by the number of lanes, but by the presence of a barrier down the middle of a road.”
With a rise in 20mph limits and smart motorways, Lucy expects the number of drivers attending a NSCA to keep rising, but says this could end up being a good thing.
She said: “Sure, the £90 fee is hard to stomach. But I drove home from my course more carefully – and I’d warrant better – than I have in a long time.”
Reflecting on her experience, Lucy says the course should be made compulsory to improve the skills of drivers.
She concluded: “So how about this? Stop making these courses a punishment, and make them compulsory instead. Driving isn’t going to get simpler – but at least we might all do it a bit better.”
Meanwhile in Essex, course attendees have praised the impact on their driving.
One commented: “The content was very good and easy to follow and I definitely feel like I’ve learnt a few things. I actually think it would be a great course for every driver to do every 10 years as a refresher.”
Another added: “The course far exceeded my expectations and as someone who drives for a living I left feeling like a l safer and more confident driver.”
24 February 2020