The report by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) recommends a full system of graduated driver licensing to help tackle crashes and casualties involving young drivers.
This would include:
- Allowing young people to still start learning at the age of 17 but making the wait until they are 18 before they could take their test, and also logging 120 hours of supervised practice, including 20 hours at night.
- A “probation” period of 12 months after passing their test when they would be required to carry a green “P” plate on their car. This would also include a ban on carrying passengers aged under 30 or from driving between the hours of 10pm and 5am unless they are accompanied by an adult aged over 30.
- New drivers, even older people, would also be subject to restrictions on night driving, a lower drink-drive limit and a ban on using a hands-free mobile phone for 12 months after passing their test.
The report states that system, which is used in other countries such as Canada and parts of the US, would bring ‘considerable casualty savings' in the UK, resulting in 4,471 fewer casualties and £224 million in cost savings annually.
DfT statistics show that young drivers are over-represented in road injury figures, representing a health risk in Great Britain and worldwide. The statistics show that 22% of fatalities on Great Britain’s roads in 2011 occurred in collisions involving a driver aged 17 to 24 years old. In 65% of these collisions the fatal injuries were sustained by passengers or road users other than the young driver.
Brake, the road safety charity, has welcomed the report, saying that graduated driver licensing enables new drivers to build experience while being less exposed to risk. It includes a minimum learning period and post-test restrictions, such as a late night driving curfew and ban on carrying young passengers.
Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake, said: ‘Through our support services for bereaved and injured crash victims, we witness the suffering and devastation that results from crashes involving young, inexperienced drivers. We wholeheartedly welcome this report, which is further recognition of the compelling case for graduated driver licensing. We urge the Government to act swiftly and decisively by committing to a full system of graduated driver licensing, to help reduce the danger young drivers pose to themselves and others.’
