Ninety-two per cent of people believe newly-qualified drivers should be subject to restrictions on their driving, according to new research. Among the suggestions are that new drivers should have limits on carrying passengers, the times of day they can drive and their car’s engine size.
“Our first years behind the wheel are among the most dangerous of our lives, with one in five new drivers crashing in their first six months on the road” (Brake)
The survey also revealed most people think there should be stricter requirements for learners before they can sit their test in the first place.
Road safety charity Brake commissioned the study into opinions on new drivers after recent figures revealed young and inexperienced drivers account for a disproportionately high number of road deaths.
Among the most popular options for limiting new drivers were a zero-tolerance drink-drive limit, which was backed by 63 per cent of respondents, and the obligatory use of ‘P’ plates to denote a probationary driver, backed by 66 per cent.
“We must do more to help keep young people safe behind the wheel. Countries and states that have introduced restrictions for newly qualified drivers have seen big drops in crash rates. We’re pleased to hear the Government has announced plans for a full review into the current driving test this year, with a view to making it more like “real life driving” but the introduction of graduated driving licensing would make young and novice drivers much safer and save lives.”
According to Brake, analysis of Department for Transport figures suggesting 4,471 casualties and £224 million pounds could be saved in Britain each year if a graduated driver licensing system was introduced