Road Safety tops agenda
09/09/2005
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Pamela, CastlefordRoad safety campaigners called for tighter restrictions on young drivers after two severe road traffic accidents involving groups of young people happened this week.
Alexander Harris take on a large number of road traffic accident claims involving young people every year. Jonathan Betts, specialist road traffic accident solicitor said: "I welcome any moves encouraging safety on the roads among young people. I see a number of cases every year involving young people with serious and fatal injuries, and support any moves which would help to reduce this."
Alexander Harris also handle serious road traffic accident claims involving minors who have lost limbs, and who have suffered from serious head and spinal injuries.
The number of 16-19 year olds killed in road traffic accidents rose by 12 per cent last year, while the overall death toll fell by eight per cent.
Campaigners raised concern that the overall reduction in fatalities was hiding a growing problem among young drivers and passengers.
The number of young people aged 17-21 holding a driving licence has decreased from almost 50 per cent in 1991 to just over 30 per cent in 2002.
The driving test has been made more difficult, with the introduction of the theory test in 1996, and the hazard perception test in 2003.
The rate of uninsured and unqualified teenagers driving on the roads has also increased.
According to a report published by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) in July 2005 drivers in their teens are ten times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than motorists in their forties.
Key findings
- Young people are more likely to have road traffic accidents at night, and while travelling with large groups of people in the car.
- Young people are more likely to have an accident as a result of speeding.
Responses
- The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety suggested a graduated licence scheme to encourage young drivers to take more care on the roads.
- The AA motoring Trust proposed making a code for new drivers to sign agreeing to certain restrictions, such as not driving at night and carrying a limited number of passengers.
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