09/07/2009

New Drivers 'Should Face Tougher Regulations'

Most motorists would welcome stricter rules for newly qualified drivers, including banning them from driving at night, a new survey has found.

As many as 87% of all motorists want learner drivers to gain a specified level of experience behind the wheel before taking the test, the Direct Line insurance company poll and safety charity Brake found.

Meanwhile, 81% of those surveyed agreed to the tougher restrictions which also suggested novice drivers should not be allowed a drop of alcohol before driving.

Restrictions on night driving, motorway driving and carrying lots of passengers in the car who are not family members, were also welcomed by a high percentage of the 1,000 drivers questioned.

While most of the support for post-test restrictions came from older drivers, there was 54% support for some form of limitations among 17-24 year olds.

Andy Goldby from Direct Line Car Insurance, said: "There is a genuine need for many young drivers to gain greater driving skills than under the current testing system.

"Once the driving test has been passed additional post-test training should also be incorporated to form lifelong learning."

Cathy Keeler, chief executive of road safety charity Brake, who collaborated with Direct Line on the survey, added: that the tougher restrictions were aimed at protection young drivers as opposed to "discriminating against the young".

She added: "It's about protecting the next generation of drivers, who are most at risk of killing themselves and often their young friends, causing the most unimaginable, terrible grief to families and communities.

"Young drivers are more likely than any other age group to die, particularly young male drivers."

In October, the government is due to announce a new syllabus for learning to drive and additional tests of competence behind the wheel.

(JM/BMcc)

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