In the wake of the Road Safety Strategy, GEM Motoring Assist is calling on parents to put safety first when driving and set the best-possible example for their young people to follow.
GEM Motoring Assist has welcomed the Government’s new road safety strategy as a vital opportunity to protect young and novice drivers, a sector still disproportionately involved in serious crashes.
The strategy is built on a Safe System approach, recognising that people will make mistakes, but ensuring that roads, rules, enforcement and vehicle design should prevent those mistakes becoming life-changing.
One of the proposals is a consultation on a minimum learning period of three or six months before a learner can take the practical test, potentially backed by a clearer syllabus and minimum practice requirements.
James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM, said: “Those aged 17-24 years make up only a small share of licence holders, yet they are involved in nearly a quarter of fatal and serious collisions. The strategy offers a vital chance to change the story, by putting forward measures to improve safety for young and newly-qualified drivers.
“Passing the test proves basic competence, not full readiness for night driving, peer pressure, bad weather and busy urban environments.”
“The strategy also highlights the danger of being distracted while driving. We know that learners who regularly see a parent or guardian checking a phone at the wheel are more likely to regard this as part of ‘normal’ driving, rather than a high-risk action.
“Families have significant influence on safety, so we ask parents to put safety first and set the best-possible example for their young people to follow.”
Another focus is vehicle safety technology, with proposals to consult on mandating a wide range of advanced safety systems, including autonomous emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance and driver attention monitoring.
James Luckhurst added: “Driving with care, courtesy and concentration will remain GEM’s priority, but if a split-second mistake occurs, then safer vehicles and properly-understood safety tech can make the difference between a scary moment and a serious incident.
“For anyone supporting a learner, the message is simple. Aim to help your learner become life-ready, not just test-ready. Stretch the learning period and make safety your prime consideration when choosing a car.
“Plan structured post-test experience, set clear guidance on phone use and peer pressure and instil in them the non-negotiable rule that alcohol and substances must never mix with driving.”
Comment on this story