Road safety is a continuously debated subject – we are always thinking of new ways to make our roads safer and reduce accidents, which is all great to hear. And there are more ideas on the horizon; including one outlined in sources from the BBC suggesting that restrictions on newly qualified drivers could reduce road accidents.
According to the source (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11376809), a new proposed scheme would see newly qualified drivers having to adhere to night time curfews and restrictions on carrying passengers of a similar age, according to research from Cardiff University. It is suggested that a “graduate driving license” for drivers aged 17 – 19 could potentially save more than 200 lives and result in 1,700 fewer serious injuries each year. This is quite a statement.
The research suggests that one in five new drivers’ crash within the first 6 months of passing their test. This statistic doesn’t surprise me – it’s a common fact that you only really learn to drive once you have passed your test and you are out there on the roads by yourself. I’m sure many of you will agree that it’s an entirely different ball game; and many young drivers are known to be a little overexcited on the roads, if you get what I mean! The research indicates that some kind of a “graduate driving license” would reduce many accidents.
The report goes on to say that there are already similar schemes in parts of the US, Australia, and New Zealand. The scheme reportedly works in the other countries; so why couldn’t it work here? It goes on to say that Tune in to Traffic has also highlighting the dangers or listening to MP3 players and iPods whilst driving and walking – now this is something Id like to hear more about, as I regularly listen to my MP3 player through my car speaker system.
The report also advises that these ideas, amongst many others, are to be presented at a World Safety Conference designed for experts to put their views across on how to improve road safety.
There has of course been criticism of the idea – motoring organisations have reportedly said that such restrictions would be difficult to enforce. It’s a good point; save for the police pulling over every driver that looks under the age of 19, how on earth would they be able to identify drivers breaking such a rule without having to waste vast amounts of time and resources on attending young looking drivers. And what about us who are lucky enough to retain our youthful good looks!?
Such a scheme would also end up penalising those who work at night – which I imagine is a lot of young people who have part time jobs at bars and pubs. And there are of course many young drivers who are genuinely sensible and responsible – people fitting this category could end up being unfairly penalised as well.
It’s a huge topic for debate that generally affects us all. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, get in touch with an expert independent firm of personal injury lawyers for the best advice and guidance on claiming.
TIP OF THE DAY: Never let an insurance company refer you to a solicitor. They sell your claim to the highest bidding law firm, meaning you get a solicitor with less money and time to spend on your case. It leaves you open to under settling and you will receive a significantly poorer service!
