It is the every parent’s worst fear: the knock at the door, the police, a family support officer and the news that your child has been killed or seriously injured on our roads.
Yet sadly it is something that happens every day in England. Tragically we have also seen it recently in Swindon, with two terrible accidents within a week of each other. These are all events that change lives, devastate families and leave friends behind to travel on in life alone. If something can be done to reduce the number of families and friends who lose someone in this way, we should act.
Some argue against regulation, saying that it is not up to politicians to try and keep everyone safe on the roads. Normally, I would agree, but in the case of young drivers, I am not one of those people. The statistics for young drivers on our roads speak for themselves. Our young people count for one in four of fatalities on our roads despite being just one in eight of license holders. They are far more likely to be involved in a catastrophic accident than a minor scrape, with nearly 30% involving a young driver. 60% of passengers killed in a car with a young driver are also aged 17-24. The evidence is damming and we must act.
This week I introduced a Private Members’ Bill to the House of Commons. The ‘Graduated Driving Licence Scheme Bill’ seeks to introduce a three-tier driving licence system to help young drivers build up experience in a reduced-risk environment. It is inexperience combined with age that proves most dangerous on the road.
The Bill would follow what is the case in many countries. After passing your test, there would be a period where young drivers would be subject to certain restrictions. Examples include a ban on driving at night, on carrying young passengers without supervision, and a ‘zero-tolerance’ drink drive limit. After this period you get your full unrestricted licence.
In countries that have gone down this ‘Graduated Driving Licence’ route, there has been up to a 57% reduction in fatal accidents involving young drivers just one year on. It also lowers insurance premiums, making driving more affordable as well as improving safety.
Driving is a difficult balance for parents. On one hand the independence that a car brings is a key part for many teenagers of growing up and taking responsibility. On the other is the natural instinct to protect and keep safe. By changing the law to allow young drivers a chance to build their driving experience whilst risks are reduced and responsibilities lessened, we are striking the right balance between the two.
