(Mon 19 Jun 06)

A new poll suggests that most people want a stop to the recent criticisms of young drivers, who have recently been accused of carjacking, boy racing and being dangerous on the roads.

Of the drivers polled, around two thirds said it was only a handful of reckless young drivers who gave the rest a bad name. Most people feel teenagers are pretty safe drivers and say they shouldn't have to wear "P" plates for most than two years.  In addition, most drivers believe, even if a teenager fell foul of the road laws, they should not automatically have to face a re-test.

Powerful cars and peer pressure were cited as major risk factors, with the majority of motorists believing that teenagers drive in a more reckless manner when they have their friends in the car.

"Young drivers are the most at risk group on the road and official figures suggest that many die as a consequence of inexperience, speeding, intoxication through drink or drugs or just plain recklessness," says www.motorinsurance.co.uk Managing Director Paul Cosh.

"Being a good driver is not just about the ability to control a car and having good reflexes but about attitude and being able to spot and understand dangers on the road.

"The answer is not to chastise new drivers for being inexperienced, but help and assist them during their formative years behind the wheel, and I think the results of our poll reflect this."

18/05/06 News: Danger For Young Drivers
10/05/06 News: Teens And Unlicensed Drivers

Previous: Summer Driving Misery                                                                       Next: Are You Insured For Abroad?

Back to News index