Young Male Drivers "Most Likely To Be Uninsured And Unlicensed" Says Report

LONDON – November 13, 2008: Potentially lethal unlicensed drivers tend to be younger and male, driving up to a staggering 3.7 million hours a month according to a report published this week in the latest edition of Advanced Driving, the IAM members’ magazine.

Neil Greig, IAM Motoring Trust Director, said that a new ten point plan is needed to prepare young people to drive safely on their own or with passengers after their test.

“We don’t want to demonise young drivers, but research shows that uninsured drivers are typically young males living in urban areas – 60 per cent of those convicted of uninsured driving are under 25, and half are under 20,” said Mr Greig, writing in the newly revamped IAM magazine.

“These drivers have a high risk of crashing and there is a perception among their peers that they can ‘get away with it’. Young people must be convinced that the only way to drive is fully licensed and insured. The majority of safe younger drivers should have their efforts supported. They should know that the police and justice system targets the reckless minority that break the law,” said Mr Greig.

Mr Greig said that identifying the reckless young driver is key – there should be a better system to require them to go on a rectification course even for minor offences.

“Despite successes in reducing the number of deaths and injuries on Britain’s roads, younger drivers are not getting any safer,” said Mr Greig.

The report Young Drivers: Where and when they are unsafe says that the combined effects of age and driving experience result in fewer crashes.

“We know novice drivers, particularly those under 20, are most at risk in the early weeks after they pass their driving test,” said Mr Greig.

The IAM propose a ten point plan for young drivers which will improve road safety for road users of all ages.

1. Understanding the greatest risk
2. Focus on rural roads
3. Start at school
4. Parental involvement
5. Low premiums for low risk learners
6. Identify the reckless
7. Target police enforcement
8. Continual improvement
9. Make roads safer
10. Incentivise driver aids