Improving the safety of young drivers - insurance industry campaign to save lives

The ABI (Association of British Insurers) is launching a campaign to reduce the numbers of young drivers killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads. 

Despite recent falls in the total number of deaths on UK roads in recent years, the number of fatalities involving young drivers is still rising. 12% (405) of all those killed on Britain’s roads in 2005 were aged 16-19, up from 10% (343) in 2000.

The ABI has evaluated the Pass Plus scheme for newly qualified drivers (set up in 1995).  The ABI’s research shows that drivers who take Pass Plus are less likely to have an accident. But the difference is small. More action is needed to improve the safety of young drivers. 

The ABI is working with road safety groups and motoring organisations on proposals to achieve this. New proposals to cut the number of deaths of young people on our roads will be unveiled at the ABI’s first national Motor Conference on 20 September.
  

Stephen Haddrill, the ABI’s Director General, said:

“While there has been a welcome overall fall in road casualties, the number of young people dying and injured on our roads is far too high.

The Government and other organisations must come together to cut this number, which represents a tragedy for too many families. This is why insurers are developing a coalition for action.

“The insurance industry supports Pass Plus and will continue to do so. Our proposals will build on the foundations laid by Pass Plus to help young drivers stay mobile and safe.”

(Article Published by The Association of British Insurers)