Renault Supports Police Initiative To Reduce Young Driver Road Casualties

MAPLE CROSS, UNITED KINGDOM – May 22, 2009: With an unrivalled record of 11 cars with five-star Euro NCAP crash test ratings to its name, Renault leads the way in safety.

With a strategy focusing on four main areas: accident prevention, corrective action, occupant protection and road safety awareness, Renault is always searching for new solutions to everyday motoring issues.

This year, Renault is supporting CarKraft, a programme for young drivers (aged 17-24 yrs) in Northamptonshire which aims to address the main causes of collisions involving this age group. The CarKraft Experience is organised by a partnership between the Northamptonshire Police and County Council with assistance from advanced driving instructors who provide the expertise during the skills sessions.

The young drivers attending the course will benefit from a driving assessment in a Renault Twingo Renaultsport 133 with a Grade One Police Response Driver. The road assessment includes rural, A-road and motorway driving. In addition to indoor workshop sessions, the participants will also experience the benefits of ABS braking in a Renault Clio Dynamique.

The first 2009 CarKraft event was at Silverstone circuit earlier this month. Subsequent events will be held at Rockingham in Northamptonshire on 12th July and back again at Silverstone on 4th October.

Commenting on the initiative, the organiser, PC David Lee said, "When deciding which cars to use for the practical drives, Renaults was the obvious choice. Everyone knows they are far ahead with their safety, style and looks. Without Renault, the event could not incorporate the practical section of the day - driving out on the public roads. The assessment drives have a massive impact and are hugely beneficial to the young drivers who take part. The cars Renault provided were not only of great importance to the day, but the young drivers loved them as well, as they not only looked the part, but they did the job as well!"

Renault has a strong tradition of education, having run a successful road safety programme for primary schools since 2000. More than 15,000 schools in the UK have used the Renault programme, Safety Matters. The website address is www.safetymatters.renault.co.uk.