ABI welcomes young driver safety proposals

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has welcomed the announcement from the Government that they are to publish a Green Paper on young driver safety. The ABI has long campaigned to change the way young people learn how to drive in order to reduce death and injury on the roads and make young drivers safer.

It is calling for:

• One year minimum learning period for young drivers.
• Limiting the number of young passengers and restrictions on night time driving for young drivers for an initial period after passing their driving test. Exemptions would be available for young people driving to and from work.
• Zero blood alcohol driving limit for an initial period after a young person passes their driving test.

Otto Thoresen, the ABI’s Director General, said:

“Sadly young newly qualified drivers are at a much higher risk of having a serious crash on our roads which is reflected in the cost of their car insurance. Insurers want to see young drivers become safe drivers which in turn will result in more affordable premiums. If the Government implemented the ABI’s proposals, lives would be saved and the cost of car insurance for young drivers could reduce by 15-20%.”