Road Safety Strategy a foundation for further learning
The government’s Road Safety Strategy is an opportunity to help young drivers become road-ready rather than just test-ready, according to GEM Motoring Assist.
The road safety and breakdown specialist believes the Road Safety Strategy, announced recently by the government, addresses some key issues in road safety for newly-qualified drivers.
However, to maximise their potential benefits, GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging parents to support younger drivers learn good, practical habits by modelling good driving habits and setting clear phone, peer pressure and substance rules.
This comes after data revealed that drivers aged 17 to 24 make up just six per cent of all drivers but are involved in nearly a quarter of all serious collisions.
Vital chance
James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM, said: “Those aged 17 to 24 make up only a small share of licence holders yet they are involved in nearly a quarter of fatal and serious collisions. The strategy offers a vital chance to change the story by putting forward measures to improve safety for young and newly-qualified drivers.
“Families have significant influence on safety, so we ask parents to put safety first and set the best-possible example for their young people to follow. For anyone supporting a learner, the message is simple: aim to help your learner become life-ready, not just test-ready.
“Stretch the learning period and make safety your prime consideration when choosing a car. Plan structured post-test experience, set clear guidance on phone use and peer pressure and instil in them the non- negotiable rule that alcohol and substances must never mix with driving.”
