The Association of British Insurers ('ABI'), which represents insurance companies, has suggested new ways of reducing the number of young people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
The ABI is concerned about the high level of serious incidents involving motorists under the age of 25. It is believed that one in 12 driver licence holders are under the age of 25 but 25% of those killed or seriously injured in a road accident is under the age of 25 (or one of their passengers).

The ABI has suggested that young drivers be prohibited from driving during certain hours late at night. The proposal would be for young drivers to be off the roads between the hours of 11.00 pm and 4.00 am.

Blake Lapthorn's Motoring Offences team can see the rationale behind this proposal. However many young people work shifts and are on the road during those times for perfectly reasonable reasons. What would happen to them? Would there be a defence of driving in an emergency? There are, we imagine, many practical reasons why young motorists like other motorists would find themselves on our roads during these hours.

Another proposal from the ABI is a zero tolerance alcohol limit for drivers under the age of 25. The present limit is complicated and it is difficult for a motorist to work out whether or not the alcohol they have consumed means they are on the right or wrong side of the legal limit. Our advice is always to avoid drinking altogether if driving is envisaged. With that in mind, the firm imagines that a zero tolerance drink drive limit might be of some use. However some alcohol can be found in a range of household products, such as mouthwash or liquid medication. Would a young motorist really be disqualified for at least 12 months because they had consumed some alcohol in this way?

We agree with the proposal that young motorists should have a 'graduated' driving licence upon passing their test. This would last for a period of two years whereupon the motorist would have to take a second test on all types of roads in all sorts of weather conditions.
At present The New Driver Act 1995 requires the Secretary of State to revoke the driving licence of any individual who accumulates six penalty points within two calendar years after passing a driving test. The driving entitlement is revoked and reverts to a provisional entitlement until an extended retest is passed. If motorists underwent more intensive driver training before being entitled to drive, then there is every chance there would be fewer accidents. Better and more detailed training of young drivers can only assist in reducing the number of deaths and serious accidents on our roads. There is no one magic solution to the problem. A series of proposals are required and to that extent the ABI's proposals are a good start.