National Speed Awareness Course

As part of the joint Casualty Reduction Strategy, Northamptonshire County Council Casualty Reduction Department, in partnership with Northamptonshire Police and Magistrates Courts, operate Speed Awareness Courses for 'lower end' speed offenders. This is offered as an alternative to points on the licence with the aim of educating drivers and riders about speed.

Offenders who fall within the eligibility criteria are offered the Speed Awareness Course at the point at which they would normally receive the Conditional Offer (speeding ticket).

Each course lasts three and three quarter hours, costs £70 and includes discussion of a number of topics by the group including:

• Possible reasons as to why drivers speed
• Moral dilemma scenarios, gradated in terms of pressure on the driver.
• Potential consequences of excessive speed on the driver and other road users.
• Aims and objectives of the Casualty Reduction Partnership.
• 'Why do we have a 30mph limit?' bringing home the point that we are talking about LIMITS not TARGETS.
• A series of scenario cards detailing specific circumstances - the participants are asked to identify the particular hazards and the appropriate reaction.
• Coping strategies for drivers to control their speed.
• Summing up by the trainers with the emphasis on driver responsibility.