Youngsters at a north-east secondary school are to receive driving lessons as part of the school day in an attempt to make them safer drivers.

In response to the high number of road fatalities this year, Alford Academy has joined forces with Grampian Police to run a Cars R Us driving preparation course for sixth-year pupils.

The idea behind the scheme is to ensure that future drivers are aware of the dangers when they get behind the wheel - and in turn reduce the number of fatalities.

Head teacher Tim McKay said:

"The purpose of this programme is to address the concerns of parents, guardians and pupils about road safety.

"What we plan on doing is building into the curriculum a driving-preparation experience that will make them safe and informed drivers."

As well as driving lessons during school hours, the course, which is to take place over eight weeks, will focus on various issues, including:

• Completing a provisional driving licence application.
• Theory test preparation, discussion and 'on-line' completion.
• Basic car maintenance and repairs.
• Driving lessons.
• Insurance options - financial advice, car ownership and advice.
• Safe driving techniques - optical illusions, eyesight tests, speed limits, traffic, etc.
• Effective driving preparation - seat belt convincer, brake reaction timing.
• Legal/illegal driving - breathalyser, drink goggles, field/vision impairment work, prescribed/illegal drug-testing issues
• Accident prevention - the influence of friends, common scenarios.
• Basic first aid qualification.
• Donald's story - a presentation from a young driver who was involved in a life-changing car accident in an effort to drive home the road safety message.

It will form part of the sixth-year, student-enrichment programme.

The school has subsidised the cost of the driving lessons, which will take place during the school day when pupils are not in normal classes.