There could be almost 9000 fewer deaths and serious injuries on UK roads every year if changes were made to the way young people learn to drive, according to new Government research.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has published a report it commissioned from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) that shows the urgent need to tackle young driver safety.
The report 'Novice drivers: Evidence Review and Evaluation’ suggests that implementing a strong Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system could result in thousands fewer casualties and save up to £447 million per year. That is 24 deaths and injuries and around £120,000 every day.
Otto Thoresen, Director General of the ABI, said:
"Too many young people are dying or suffering catastrophic injury because of our unreformed young driver rules in the UK. This new Government-commissioned research is compelling and shows reform can prevent 24 families a day going through tremendous trauma and heartache.
"The Government should act now and publish its Green paper into young driver safety and we urge all political parties to support comprehensive reform to make our roads safer."
International evidence shows that changes to the way young people learn and post-test restrictions are the most effective combination to improve safety. The ABI is calling for the following measures:
- One year minimum learning period.
- Limiting the number of passengers allowed in a car with a new young driver.
- A ban on intensive driving courses.
- Curfew on night time driving.
- Zero tolerance on alcohol, for drivers aged between 17-24.
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