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RoSPA Improving Road Safety in Cyprus

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Who we are and what do we do!

A GROUP representing the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in Cyprus is offering free advanced driving and motorcycle training to anyone who holds a full driving licence and wants to become an advanced driver or rider. Our aim is to reduce the accident rate and improve road safety on the roads of Cyprus.

The group was established last year by former UK traffic police officers Gwyn Pritchard and Steve Tucker, who have been appointed as RoSPA examiners. Gwyn says: “The number of fatalities on the roads is worrying. Working together with riders and drivers, we can make roads safer. All it takes is a little determination to make things better. RoSPA training is free, so it presents a wonderful opportunity for riders and drivers of any age.”

advanced driver training cyprus Between them, the current group of members have decades of experience in training people to drive cars and ride motorbikes to exceptionally high standards. The tutors and examiners are experts in driving and motorcycling with all the techniques associated with the techniques of Police Roadcraft.

In contrast with learning to drive from scratch, where “people tend to choose an instructor for affordability and wanting to pass their test as quickly as possible, there is no time-limit to the RoSPA advanced training. Trainees can take the advanced test – which is graded at gold, silver and bronze levels – if they wish, at a date and time which suits them, depending on their progress and level of confidence.

Steve says: “Advanced training focuses on the thought processes of driving or riding, using a scanning technique to increase anticipation and awareness. The objective is to deliver a systematic drive or ride that is safe, smooth and controlled, one, which leaves nothing to chance. An advanced driver or rider should be a master of time, speed and distance and be pro-active in planning their drive or ride not reactive. It goes without saying that the faster you go, the quicker your reaction times will need to be. The techniques you will acquire will improve your own reaction time. So for example, an improvement of just one second in reaction time at 50km per hour will give you an extra 14 metres in which to bring your vehicle to a safe stop.

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The Group also aims to help people update their driving skills and abilities in relation to the technological advances in both cars and bikes, including tips on fuel-efficient driving. The RoSPA group can also train commercial drivers and has collaborated with Mike Moorby of the Cyprus Road Safety Network, who has been training traffic police for some eight years. Steve says: “The reasons for getting behind the wheel will largely determine the focus of the training. “For instance, with commercial drivers, we will look at improving observation, correct use of speed and gears and braking techniques, taking into account things like road conditions and weight distribution. A commercial vehicle behaves very differently depending on whether it is laden or unladen” Tucker said.

The RoSPA trainers and examiners offer their services on a voluntary basis, and the only cost is an administration fee for the advanced test, which is €74 for motorbikes and €66 for cars. Since the launch of the local group as part of the RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders (RoADAR) network, Malcolm Smith – already a qualified driving instructor – passed his RoSPA Advanced Driving Test at gold level and is set to become an advanced driving tutor.

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Steve says: “Other drivers and riders are now ready to take their tests over the coming weeks. We will be extending our tutor base across the island so it won’t be long before you can join one of our groups in Larnaca, Nicosia and Limassol. RoADAR’s current members are also determined to expand the group to include tutors that will be able to converse in Greek, Russian and other languages to ensure no-one misses out on the training on offer. Our aim is to train as many people as possible to the highest level, island-wide, so that they in turn can promote road safety and become tutors. Ultimately, as more people become members of RoADAR, we see the potential for insurance companies to follow the lead set in the UK whereby qualified advanced drivers and riders can obtain a reduction in their premiums”.

We’re not here to change the culture, just to introduce some common sense to driving and riding. Driving standards will have to improve – especially under pressure from the EU – but this has to start with the drivers and riders themselves. You can put up all the road signs you like, but people will just carry on hitting them if they’re not trained professionally to improve their skills.”

What happens when I join a group?

As a new member wishing to receive training you will be assigned to one of our tutors. You will both agree a convenient training session, usually weekly or fortnightly lasting for 1-2 hours.

As a new member you will use your own vehicle to receive training and the tutors will give you guidance and advice. The sessions are free and there is no limit to the number of lessons you are given. The groups are fully aware that everybody learns at a different pace and a training programme will be developed that best suits you.

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Training will continue at a steady pace until your tutor feels that you are ready for the test. The RoSPA Test is regarded as one of the most challenging tests of its type, a proud achievement for anyone.

Once you have passed your test the training and guidance through the local group will continue because we feel that a good driver never stops learning and skills need to be developed to keep up with today’s ever changing traffic conditions.

For more information on the RoSPA advanced training courses for drivers and riders, see www.roadar.org, or call Teresa on 99030932, Gwyn on 97732724 or Steve on 97727635. The Cyprus Road Safety Network website is www.cyprusdriving.net

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