The ABI welcomes the announcement from the Government that they are to publish a Green Paper on young driver safety.
At a follow-up to the Prime Minister’s Insurance Summit held in February last year, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced its intention to publish a Green Paper this spring. We have long campaigned to change the way young people learn how to drive in order to reduce death and injury on the roads and make young drivers safer.
We are calling for:
– One year minimum learning period for young drivers.
– Limiting the number of young passengers and restrictions on night time driving foryoung drivers for an initial period after passing their driving test. With exemptions for young people driving to and from work.
– Zero blood alcohol driving limit for an initial period after a young person passes their driving test.
Otto Thoresen, the ABI’s Director General, said: “The ABI welcomes today’s announcement from the Government that they will publish a Green Paper on young driver safety. We have long campaigned for changes to the current approach to learning to drive which does little to help young people become safe, secure drivers. Sadly young newly qualified drivers are at a much higher risk of having a serious crash on our roads which is reflected in the cost of their car insurance. Insurers want to see young drivers become safe drivers which in turn will result in more affordable premiums. If the Government implemented the ABI’s proposals, lives would be saved and the cost of car insurance for young drivers could reduce by 15-20%.”
Key statistics:
– Young drivers could pay between around 15-20% less for their car insurance if the Government introduce, in full, ABI proposals to improve young driver safety
– Average annual premium of a 17-18 year old driver: £1,853
– Potential reduction in a 17-18 year olds premium: up to £370 a year
– Nearly 3 million young people who hold a driving licence could benefit, which is nearly 8% of Briton’s licence holders
