
RoSPA has issued a call for all major political parties to agree a Green Paper on young drivers which would include graduated driver licensing (GDL), in order to help cut the number of young drivers killed or injured on the UK’s roads.
GDL is one of a range of what RoSPA calls “potentially-lifesaving initiatives” that the charity would like to see included in the Green Paper.
RoSPA has written to all major political parties, asking them to include the Green Paper in their manifestos ahead of the General Election in May. The measures it is calling for include GDL, telematics (black box technology) and enhanced training.
RoSPA’s call is backed by a coalition of road safety stakeholders including Road Safety GB, RoadSafe, ABI, IAM, PACTS, RAC Foundation and TRL.
Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA’s chief executive, said: “As part of our dedication to saving lives and reducing injuries, we are calling on all political parties to include a commitment in their election manifestos to publish a Green Paper on young drivers.
“We believe a comprehensive package of complementary measures is needed to improve the safety of some of our most vulnerable road users.”
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA’s head of road safety, added: “Young drivers are more likely to be involved in road accidents than experienced drivers – and yet they drive fewer miles.
“Sadly, they account for about 20% of all road deaths. But if we all work more closely together, there is scope to reduce, significantly, the number of casualties caused by new and inexperienced drivers”.
What we need is (an) all encompassing intervention that would ensure that young and vulnerable people will be given all the information and training possible to make their driving/riding experience a valuable one, and one which they will be able to carry throughout their motoring life.
About time this or any government appreciated this and put the finances in place and initiate such a scheme on a nationwide level. One that would encompass all the various disciplines from professionals and volunteers, charities, educationalists, engineers (both road and motor), scientists, volunteers, manufacturers, retailers. etc.
It may take a few years to set up and will need appropriate input at a committee level but something that will be worthwhile and of lasting value.
Maybe a charity or other well known organisation such as RoSPA would consider or could accept the lead on this and aid the bringing together of all the other agencies.
It needs the lead and the finance coming from Central Government as a start and would indicate to our European neighbours just how serious we are in bringing down the incidents of death and seriously injured in this country.
Bob Craven lancs…..Space is safe campaigner
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I agree.
Bob Craven Lancs…Space is Safe campaigner
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