A petition is circulating urging people to back a scheme teaching children as young as 11 years old to start to drive, in an attempt to cut down driving-related accidents involving younger drivers.
Set-up by Young Driver, the UK’s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons, the petition is being backed by major motoring organisations, such as Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the RAC, who want to see driving included in the school curriculum.
Within six months of passing their test, one in five new drivers has an accident when behind the wheel. With 25 per cent of deaths of 15-19 year olds caused by road traffic accidents, it’s a significant number. Every year 400 people are killed in accidents involving young drivers – meaning if younger drivers are safer drivers, there is potential for this figures to drop.
It is important to note that the petition for this cause does not suggest that the age people can take to the road is lowered, but rather more is done to educate younger, upcoming drivers on the dangers and necessary awareness when driving.
Kim Stanton from Young Driver commented on the importance of learning from a younger age:
“Driving a vehicle is potentially one of the most dangerous and responsible things a person can do. Learning to drive should be done over a long period of time, and from a young age, when pupils are more receptive to safety messages.”
According to figures from Young Driver, those who take its early learning course are half as likely to have an accident when they do pass their test.
Stanton continued: “Evidence-based research shows that road safety messages are better absorbed by children in their early teens rather than at driving age. By having this take place at school it can be made inclusive for all. We urge people to sign this petition so we can get this issue in front of the people with the power to change things.”
If you would like to sign the petition, you can do so here. You can also join the debate on our Facebook and Twitter pages.