Driving instructors are to be taught first aid in order to equip them to deal with accidents before the emergency services arrive.
From April 26th, instructors will have the chance to take part in five-session training courses organised in collaboration between the Driving Instructors Association (DIA) and the British Red Cross.
On average, driving instructors drive around 30,000 miles a year, which means they are more likely to come across an accident than the average driver, Channel 4 News reports.
Equipped with first aid skills, driving instructors will therefore be able to help those they come across who have been involved in accidents and possibly save lives.
On completion of the course, the instructors will receive a Red Cross first aid certificate.
Head of road safety Peter Laub – an advocate for the inclusion of first aid testing as a precondition for getting a driving license, told Channel 4 News: "What possible justification could be presented to argue against the obvious benefits of wider first aid knowledge and ability among young people?
"In Europe, 12 countries currently require young people to have a first aid certificate before they can obtain a driving license – why should the UK not follow European best practice?
"Following these praiseworthy attempts by British Red Cross, the DIA is pleased to initiate a new collaboration designed actively to promote the attainment of a roadside first aid qualification by all qualified driving instructors."
With the majority of driving instructors reporting earlier this year that they do not feel the UK driving test produces safe, competent drivers, the need for more first aid-qualified individuals seems to be ever more important.
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