Government

Government’s young driver proposals a first step, but more needs to be done, says the ABI

Government’s young driver proposals a first step, but more needs to be done, says the ABI

The Government’s proposals to improve the training and testing of young drivers published today are a first step but need to go further, says the ABI (Association of British Insurers).

Nick Starling, the ABI’s Director of General Insurance and Health, said:

“We are pleased that the Government has listened to our concerns, and these proposals are a good first step. However, more action is needed to save young lives, particularly around a structured minimum learning period, and passenger restrictions for young newly qualified drivers. We will work with the Government during the consultation process on measures to ensure that today’s young novice drivers become tomorrow’s mature motorists.”

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Notes for Editors

1. Enquiries to:
Jonathan French 020 7216 7392 (Mobile: 07958 330 480)
Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410 (Mobile: 07776 147 667)
Erfan Hussain 020 7216 7411 (Mobile: 07712 841 184)
Kelly Ostler-Coyle 020 7216 7415 (Mobile: 07968 364 302)

2. Key statistics on young drivers:
– Every day, four people are killed or seriously injured in accidents involving young drivers.
– 17-20 year old males are ten times more likely to be killed or seriously injured than more experienced motorists.
– Eight out of ten accidental deaths involving 15-19year-old men occur on the road.
– Each year, 50,000 17 year-olds pass their driving experience with less than six months driving experience.
– In Sweden, which has a minimum learning period, there has been a 40% fall in accidents involving young drivers.

3. The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its nearly 400 member companies provide over 94% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold up to a sixth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.

4. An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.

Copies of all ABI news releases, together with other information from the Association, can be seen on our website http://www.abi.org.uk