Cambs Drive iQ technology aims to improve safety and educate teenage drivers

The Cambs Drive iQ online app was launched at the Young Driver Event in Huntingdon. (Image: Archant)

Cambs Drive iQ, funded by the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner, will target young people aged 11-25 by providing schools and colleges with the free educational toolkit.

A spokesman for Drive iQ said: “Young drivers will acquire knowledge that will inform their decision-making processes to reduce risk taking and misconceptions. Module themes include distractions, alcohol and drugs, seatbelts, thrill seeking, eye scanning and perception.

“Cambs Drive iQ puts young road users through potentially hazardous road scenarios in a virtual environment, which improves the skills often neglected by young drivers, such as anticipating danger, risk management, considering emotional response and being a responsible passenger.”

Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Councillor Jason Ablewhite, said: “My aim is to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. Unfortunately young people are most at risk of having a collision.

“Studies show that 25 per cent of 16-25 year olds will be involved in a collision within two years of passing their test. Drive iQ will allow us to engage with young people from the start, preparing them for the potential challenges they may face whilst driving.

“It’s a good way to influence attitudes towards driving in a classroom environment and should equip young drivers with the attitude they need to stay safe on the roads.”

Matt Staton, road safety education team leader for Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “This web-based learning programme will help us educate young people into how to keep both themselves and others safe while driving.

“We will be inviting all schools and colleges to sign up for the autumn term.”

In the past five years there have been 3,700 casualties in road traffic collisions within the 16 -25 year old group in Cambridgeshire.