20/09/2006
Learner drivers 'should take a year of lessons'
Learner drivers should have a minimum learning period of 12 months before they take their test, the Association of British Insurers said.
The ABI said that a one-year minimum learning period would reduce road casualties by 1,000 each year.
It also called for measures to be introduced limiting the number of passengers that young drivers could carry in their cars, as well as encouraging younger drivers to drive less at night.
Over half of accidents involving young drivers occur at night.
Some insurers already offer lower premiums to young drivers who only drive during the day.
The ABI said that 17-20-year-old males were almost ten times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than more experienced motorists.
The ABI 's proposals have been supported by the RAC Foundation, the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety and road safety groups Brake, RoadSafe and the Make Roads Safe Campaign.
Announcing the proposals, Stephen Haddrill, Director General of the ABI, said: "Every day, four people are killed or seriously injured in crashes involving young drivers. The trend is getting worse not better. We urge the government to adopt these proposals to improve safety on our roads and reduce this tragic loss of life."
Robert Gifford, Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, said: "Despite the welcome overall progress in reducing road casualties, too many young drivers are still killed and injured on our roads. These numbers are out of proportion to the percentage of young drivers acquiring driving licences. The proposals outlined here offer a way forward for this apparently intractable problem."
(KMcA/EF)
The ABI said that a one-year minimum learning period would reduce road casualties by 1,000 each year.
It also called for measures to be introduced limiting the number of passengers that young drivers could carry in their cars, as well as encouraging younger drivers to drive less at night.
Over half of accidents involving young drivers occur at night.
Some insurers already offer lower premiums to young drivers who only drive during the day.
The ABI said that 17-20-year-old males were almost ten times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than more experienced motorists.
The ABI 's proposals have been supported by the RAC Foundation, the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety and road safety groups Brake, RoadSafe and the Make Roads Safe Campaign.
Announcing the proposals, Stephen Haddrill, Director General of the ABI, said: "Every day, four people are killed or seriously injured in crashes involving young drivers. The trend is getting worse not better. We urge the government to adopt these proposals to improve safety on our roads and reduce this tragic loss of life."
Robert Gifford, Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, said: "Despite the welcome overall progress in reducing road casualties, too many young drivers are still killed and injured on our roads. These numbers are out of proportion to the percentage of young drivers acquiring driving licences. The proposals outlined here offer a way forward for this apparently intractable problem."
(KMcA/EF)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 October 2012
Call For Young People Driving Overhaul
Radical measures, such as a minimum one year learning period, restrictions on night time driving and lowering the alcohol limit for driving, are now needed to reduce the high crash risk young drivers face and to lower their motor insurance costs according to a report published today by ABI.
Call For Young People Driving Overhaul
Radical measures, such as a minimum one year learning period, restrictions on night time driving and lowering the alcohol limit for driving, are now needed to reduce the high crash risk young drivers face and to lower their motor insurance costs according to a report published today by ABI.
30 June 2006
Interactive DVD launched for young drivers
An interactive DVD has been launched for young drivers to increase their awareness of accident hazards. The DVD, which is called 'Now that's what I call Worst Hits', stars streetwise cartoon characters Gaz, Shaz and Chaz and sets out the ten most common accident scenarios likely to involve young drivers - and their consequences.
Interactive DVD launched for young drivers
An interactive DVD has been launched for young drivers to increase their awareness of accident hazards. The DVD, which is called 'Now that's what I call Worst Hits', stars streetwise cartoon characters Gaz, Shaz and Chaz and sets out the ten most common accident scenarios likely to involve young drivers - and their consequences.
21 November 2011
UK's Road Safety Week Beings
Police officers will be out in force this week talking to people about the dangers of the roads in support to Road Safety Week, which starts on Monday. Promoted by road safety charity Brake, Road Safety Week is about becoming more aware and helping put a stop to the fatal and serious injury collisions on our streets.
UK's Road Safety Week Beings
Police officers will be out in force this week talking to people about the dangers of the roads in support to Road Safety Week, which starts on Monday. Promoted by road safety charity Brake, Road Safety Week is about becoming more aware and helping put a stop to the fatal and serious injury collisions on our streets.
06 December 2004
Christmas road safety drink drive campaign unveiled
The new Christmas road safety drink drive campaign was launched today by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling. The campaign warns drivers that it takes less than you might think for your driving to be impaired by alcohol, and highlights the potential dangers to both motorists and other people.
Christmas road safety drink drive campaign unveiled
The new Christmas road safety drink drive campaign was launched today by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling. The campaign warns drivers that it takes less than you might think for your driving to be impaired by alcohol, and highlights the potential dangers to both motorists and other people.
27 May 2014
Young Drivers Face Late-Night Curfew
One in eight road injuries involve a driver between 17 and 19 years of age, according to a survey carried out by the RAC. The news comes amid calls to implement a late-night curfew on teenage drivers, with the aim of cutting the number of car-crash deaths in which they are involved. The survey found an average of 11.
Young Drivers Face Late-Night Curfew
One in eight road injuries involve a driver between 17 and 19 years of age, according to a survey carried out by the RAC. The news comes amid calls to implement a late-night curfew on teenage drivers, with the aim of cutting the number of car-crash deaths in which they are involved. The survey found an average of 11.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.