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Car black box tackles accidents | Car black box tackles accidents |
(20 minutes later) | |
"Black box recorders" are being fitted to young drivers' cars in an attempt to reduce the number of accidents. | "Black box recorders" are being fitted to young drivers' cars in an attempt to reduce the number of accidents. |
The device uses motion sensors to record when drivers brake late, take a corner too fast or swerve. | The device uses motion sensors to record when drivers brake late, take a corner too fast or swerve. |
Warning lights appear in the car and the recorded data is put on a website accessible by drivers' parents. | Warning lights appear in the car and the recorded data is put on a website accessible by drivers' parents. |
The scheme is being piloted in Staffordshire, where drivers aged under 25 are involved in 40% of accidents, but make up just 10% of motorists. | The scheme is being piloted in Staffordshire, where drivers aged under 25 are involved in 40% of accidents, but make up just 10% of motorists. |
Police figures show 20% of drivers aged under 21 have an accident in their first year on the road. | Police figures show 20% of drivers aged under 21 have an accident in their first year on the road. |
Dangerous habits | |
The county council is looking for more volunteer young drivers and their families to take part in the trial. | |
The scheme begins by establishing the motorist's driving style and drivers are only able to analyse their performance online after the first month. | |
Youngsters can then have any dangerous habits coached out of their driving. | |
Road Safety Manager Adrian Hide said most newly qualified drivers think they are good drivers. | |
I worry sick about her when she's out in the car. I know she drives too quickly, but I don't want to be a nagging dad Malcolm Harris, Steph's father | |
He said: "But this cunning device can graphically illustrate where they could go wrong. | |
"It's important to get parents on board because they often buy and insure their offspring's first car for them. | |
"Many go through agonies worrying about whether they are driving safely, but now they can see for themselves." | |
Among the first participants are Malcolm Harris and his 18-year-old daughter Steph, from Bignall End. | |
Ms Harris has already had one accident which left her with whiplash injuries. | |
She said: "I admit that I drive too quickly, but I think most people my age tend to. | |
"At first I wasn't too happy about the thought that my dad could watch how I was driving, but I'm getting used to it, and it's making a real difference." | |
Mr Harris said: "I worry sick about her when she's out in the car. I know she drives too quickly, but I don't want to be a nagging dad. | |
"This technology is wonderful because it can present her with the stark facts." | |
Anyone wanting to join the scheme should contact Adrian Hide at the county council. |