POLICE are tackling careless driving at its root – with education.

Starting at SafeWise in Bournemouth on Thursday Dorset Police are offering free workshops in a bid to save lives on Dorset’s roads.

Sessions will teach people about careless driving and how they can cut their chances of being involved in a serious smash.

The initiative is a collaboration between the force, Safewise, Dorset Fire and Rescue and Kwik Fit.

Inspector Matt Butler of the Alliance Roads Policing Team, said: “It doesn’t matter whether you are a new driver wanting to increase your confidence on the roads or an older driver who hasn’t had any additional training since the day you passed your test, all motorists can benefit from refresher sessions. It isn’t always reckless drivers that cause collisions.

“Any driver can cause serious injury to themselves and others if they are not paying attention.

“Educating those who have broken the law is very important, but this initiative will provide motorists with the skills and information they need to prevent them from breaking the law or being involved in a collision in the first place.”

The evenings are even funded directly from Driver Awareness Scheme course payments by motorists who break the law and compromise the safety of all road users.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill, said: “Between 2010 and 2015, road death statistics in Dorset have varied year on year from 17 to 26 fatalities. The unpredictable nature of collisions underlines the importance of ensuring all road users get refresher education to reduce the likelihood of being involved in such tragedies.”

He added: “One simple, careless mistake can significantly change not only your own life, but the lives of others and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in these innovative education events.”

There will be an opportunity to speak with local policing teams and community speed watch liaison officers about what is available to keep drivers safe.

A Kwik Fit representative will also be on hand to assist with basic car safety checks and hand out car goody bags and vouchers.

The workshops run from 6pm to 8.30pm. Following the Bournemouth workshop others will then be held at Blandford Fire Station on Wednesday, October 12 and at Shaftesbury Fire Station on Thursday, November 1. For more information and to book a space email crs@safewise.org.