Novice Drivers Most 'At Risk' On Roads

Novice drivers are the most at risk on Northern Ireland roads, according to statistics released by Department of Environment (DoE) in relation to the NI Road Safety Strategy (NIRSS).

The report reveals that during the three year period 2012-14, on average, 126 people per year have been killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions that involved a novice driver, within two years of passing their driving test. Of those killed or seriously injured, almost one-third of the casualties occur within the first six months of the driver passing their test.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said the statistics did not come as a surprise.

He said: "The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill (RTA Bill) currently before the Assembly includes a package of measures to reform the learner and restricted driver schemes and to introduce a system of Graduated Driver Licensing. This is a package of measures designed to provide new drivers with experience and skills gradually, over time, in lower risk environments. It is also proposed that new drivers under the age of 24 will be restricted from carrying more than one passenger who is aged 14 to 20 for the first six months post test. This is when the greatest risk occurs."

(CD/MH)