Fatal crash prompts drivers to consider improving their skills

A NUMBER of young people in Ashbourne have expressed an interest in taking advanced driving sessions following a road accident near the town which killed three people.

Seven people living in or near the town were locked up following the crash on the A52, near Kirk Langley, in October last year.

Since the accident, police have been trying to tackle the problem of nuisance motorists.

Measures have included fines, confiscation of cars, meetings between residents and drivers and education.

At the weekend, they invited young drivers to Shawcroft Car Park, in Ashbourne, to an information day about improving their motoring skills.

Rob Barrows, chairman of East Midlands Rospa Advanced Drivers And Riders, said adults of a variety of ages had attended and 20 had requested more information.

He said that, of these, about a third were young motorists.

He said: "We teach people how to handle a car safely and encourage them to plan ahead as far as possible while on the road. It can take a year or even two."

The A52 crash killed Andrew Sellers, 18, and Liam Connell, 16, both of Ashbourne, and 12-year-old Alice Greenwood, of West Yorkshire.

Four people were sentenced at Derby Crown Court in September after admitting causing death by careless driving, while three passengers were locked up after admitting making a false statement to police.

The basic cost of membership of East Midlands Rospa Advanced Drivers And Riders is £20. The advanced test costs £48 for car drivers and £54 for motorcyclists.