Soldiers to get road safety courses

Back

The police have announced that soldiers returning from Helmand, Afghanistan are to be given road safety courses as part of an Army " after-care" programme.

The training will focus on the dangers of drink-driving in the run-up to Christmas, as many of the returning troops are young and likely to be at higher risk of accidents - and higher car insurance premiums.

It will be delivered by Northern Constabulary officers, in order to help the Black Watch soldiers adjust to "the theatre of life" after time spent in " the theatre of war".

Many will be used to driving in a "lawless state", according to a police spokesman, and may struggle to adapt to the roads back home.

A spokesman for Northern Constabulary said: "The commanding officers at the MOD continue to show concern for their well-being after they return from duty and have invited Northern Constabulary along to the barracks on a number of occasions to speak about the dangers which exist on our roads and the consequences of drinking and driving."

In July this year, 21-year-old Scott Bain, of the The Highlanders, 4th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, was killed in a crash while on leave from Germany.

And in September last year, Stephen Jackson, of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, admitted killing fellow soldier Scott Wilson in a high-speed car chase.

Copyright © Press Association 2009

Get a car insurance or home insurance quote now.