Racing legend Mark Skaife has slammed claims that defensive driving courses don’t work – and in fact make young drivers more reckless.
In a report in today’s Sydney Morning Herald, leading road safety researcher Ian Faulks said there was no evidence to prove that driver training courses help young motorists to become safer drivers.
However, five-time Australian touring car champion Skaife strongly rebutted Faulks’ claims, stressing the importance of car control and defensive driving for young drivers. Skaife said much of the criticism directed towards defensive driver training is due to ignorance as to what the driver training specifically entails.
Road safety researchers have also declared defensive driving for young motorists is a dangerous and out-dated practice, as the statistics show younger drivers are over-represented in fatal accidents.
Now, we very seriously want to hear what you think, because many of you are young drivers. Would a defensive driving course make you a dangerous or safer driver? Write your opinion, we’ll read every one of ‘em.