Fire service boosts emergency response driver training with IAM help
(PRWEB UK) 9 September 2014 -- Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has signed a first-of-its-kind arrangement to have all its fire appliance and response drivers officially accredited by leading road safety organisation the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
The arrangement means the driver training undertaken by all 380 current response drivers and any future Surrey Fire and Rescue drivers has the official IAM seal of approval. This means all their drivers, including those on emergency ‘blue light’ duties will have reached the highest standards of driving as assessed by the charity.
The deal was set up by Surrey Fire and Rescue driver school manager Peter Mosdell in association with IAM membership development manager Paul Woozley.
The arrangement also means all 380 drivers become IAM members, as will all newly qualified drivers in the future.
And the driver training model has proved so impressive, other fire service groups are already showing an interest in following a similar format.
Peter said: “I’d been aware of the IAM for a long time, and I liked the fact the charity isn’t just a training organisation – I like the accent on road safety and lobbying. Having an IAM accreditation helps professionalise what we do here, and raises our reputation.”
Added Paul: “We are delighted Surrey Fire and Rescue has chosen the IAM to accredit their programme. The benefits to them are a recognition of the pride they take in their work and may contribute to an ongoing reduction in the number of vehicle incidents.”
The link up was endorsed by Surrey county councillor Kay Hammond, who is also Cabinet Associate Responsible for Fire and Police Services. She said: “I am very pleased Surrey Fire and Rescue has seen the benefits of making sure its drivers have a high level of training and the fact the IAM is accrediting our drivers. It’s an added bonus for the Fire and Rescue Service, and gives drivers and the public an assurance that their driving standards are second to none.”
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Notes to editors:
1. Pictures are available with this story.
2. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycling and cycling. The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive. The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses. Its policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.
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Media contacts:
IAM Press Office – 020 8996 9777
[email protected]
ISDN broadcast lines available
iam.org.uk
Rodney Kumar, Institute of Advanced Motorists, +44 2089969619, [email protected]
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