Young driver deaths in the UK could be cut by up to a third if compulsory post-test training was introduced, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
The call follows findings showing that a similar approach in Austria has produced a 30% reduction in young driver fatalities.
Simon Best, IAM CEO, said: “We need no reminding that 17 – 25 year-olds – particularly young men – proportionally have more crashes and suffer more deaths and injuries on our roads than any other group.
“Despite this, very little is being done to ensure that young people improve their driving after passing their test.
“The high numbers of young drivers who continue to be killed or seriously injured highlights the need for legislation that insists on post-test training that embraces all kinds of roads; especially rural roads on which young people are suffering so disproportionately.”
The IAM is writing to Mike Penning, under secretary of state for transport, stressing the urgent need for post-test training. The IAM says that only the DfT can realistically take the lead on this issue with a thorough review of driver training.
In 2011, the IAM is launching ‘Momentum’, which will offer young drivers a low-cost assessment by an IAM examiner, early in their development, in a bid to improve confidence, raise awareness, and reduce risk on the road.
For more information contact the IAM Press Office on 020 8996 9777.
The call follows findings showing that a similar approach in Austria has produced a 30% reduction in young driver fatalities.
Where are full details reported of Austrian experience? URL?
Chris Street, Ringwood, Hampshire
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The target audience is now facing an ever more expensive education, coupled with the high and increasing costs of owning and running a vehicle. The real danger here is lawful V unlawful driving,and just remember this group due to their age is prone to risk taking.
Coupled with ever increasing costs where would you take your risk?
Gareth, London
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I am of the opinion that it is not the young (or novice) drivers that are the real problem. What they lack is experience and sound judgement. However, once finished with lessons, they will be heavily influenced by the standards of driving that they see from the more experienced around them, and it is this standard that is the problem. Our children learn from example every time they sit in a car and it is their parents poor standards that influences them. 40 hours with an instructor is just not enough to undo this and it is unlikely that post training will achieve much either. Mandatory Refresher Training for all UK licence holders is what is needed, to improve standards across the board. It would be funded by the individual concerned and would take place once every ten years in line with the photocard reissue.
Martin, Wirral
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Post test training is a great idea but how would compulsory training be funded? If the cost is passed on to the driver we may well see an increase in the number of drivers not bothering with lessons or a test and just driving illegally – especially in areas of deprivation which are already over represented in the casualty stats. Local authorities are in no position to fund such schemes on a large enough scale to be meaningful and central government is in the same boat.
Dave, Leeds
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