Fears for Western Isles drivers

A road safety seminar in Stornoway yesterday (Monday) heard how young island motorists have no fears of being killed by bad driving practices.

In fact young people are more worried about facial injuries or losing a limb rather than losing their lives.

Highland and Islands MSP Dave Stewart visited Stornoway to launch the first steps towards establishing a Western Isles driving awareness campaign to stop young islanders dying on the roads.

He won support from Safetywise, the multi-agency accident prevention group in the Western Isles.

The North of Scotland Driver Awareness Team, led by Mr Stewart, has launched an online petition asking the government to introduce a graduated licence scheme requiring a mix of extra training and vehicle use restrictions for young drivers.

There is roughly one young death from car crashes on island roads each year on top of a higher number of youths receiving serious injuries or disabilities.

To view the online petition log on to: www.sensibledriv ing.org.uk

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles