With 2009 fatality figures showing the UK to be the safest country in Europe, the Institute of Advanced Motorists is encouraging the whole of the continent to sustain the efforts made so far, in celebration of the 3rd European Road Safety Day.

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research said: "On European Road Safety Day it is lovely to be sitting in the position we're in. However, the main objective now is to keep up the progress we have already made, and continue this strong trend in the reduction of road deaths.

"We fully support the European Commission's Road Safety Action Plan, and are excited by the challenge of helping to halve road deaths in the by EU by 2020. We especially applaud the target to promote continuous post-licence training for non-professional drivers, something we started, and have championed in the UK for over 50 years."

In January 2010, the IAM released their report 'Older Drivers- Safe or Unsafe?' which highlights the need identified by the European Commission to maintain older people's aptitude for driving, as a result of an ageing European population. Mr Greig continues: "Our report found that in the next 20 years, the number of male drivers over 70 will double, and that of female drivers treble. Post-licence training needs to be encouraged across the board, from increasing the experience of new drivers, to keeping older drivers independent and on the road."

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