Personal injury
Should younger drivers face stricter regulations?
Data shows that while young drivers make up only 10% of licence holders, they account for 20% of road collisions. Based on this, should younger drivers face more restrictions?
In a recent survey we conducted, we found nearly a fifth of people have been involved in a car collision in the last 12 months. Further to this, almost half (48%) of those involved were aged 17-24. In Scotland, 17–25-year-olds make up 10% of licence holders and yet, this age range accounts for 20% of road collisions. Many of those surveyed believe newer drivers should face stricter regulations.
Late night driving
Since October, Spain has been working on new regulations to reduce accidents, particularly during nighttime hours, and in our research, it seems UK drivers see the benefits. 43% of those surveyed believe new drivers should be banned from driving after 10pm.
It is thought that this would help make roads safer and allow newer drivers to develop more confidence as they adjust to driving regularly.
However, for many, this may contradict the reason they learnt to drive. Driving, while providing a sense of independence, is also highly convenient. Public transport may not be an option late at night due to timetables and some routes leave individuals with part of their journey remaining. Driving offers a convenient, and some may consider safer, alternative.
Passenger ban
Almost two thirds of people (62%) in Scotland thought that new drivers, below the age of 21, should be banned from carrying passengers of a similar age for six months after passing their test.
The idea was initially proposed by motoring organisation ‘AA’ as part of a graduated license. New drivers would display a “G” plate on their cars, to highlight that they are a “graduate” driver.
Similar measures already exist in Northern Ireland, however the Department for Transport (DfT) is not currently considering the measures for elsewhere in the UK.
Current restrictions to new drivers
New drivers are currently subject to extra restrictions through the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995.
The Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 is a probationary period on new drivers for the first two years after the test is passed. During this time, a new driver will be subject to immediate revocation of their licence, if they reach six or more penalty points. In contrast to this, other drivers can accrue up to 12 points before they face disqualification,
If six or more points are received by a new driver, their licence is revoked, and they must apply again for a provisional licence and re-take their practical and theory tests.
This act applies to all new drivers for the first two years of having their licence. Every motorist who passed their first full test after 1 June 1997 must comply with the act.
We are here to help
Making our roads safer is a paramount priority for all of us, and the debate around how to best achieve this will likely continue. Unfortunately, collisions on the road are all too common, but no matter whether you are a driver, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian, it is important to know where to turn. If you have been involved in a collision that was not your fault, as a new driver or not, we are here to help. Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today.