Three in four Brits believe tighter rules should be placed on young drivers

Are tighter road rules the answer for young drivers? New research has found that 75 per cent of people believe that more restrictions should be placed on young drivers.

The research was conducted by law firm Slater and Gordon in time for Road Safety Week, a national campaign advocating for better driving practices, safer vehicles and improvements to road rules.

For three quarters of Brits, they believe stricter regulations on young drivers would make a vast improvement to road safety. Young drivers may be seen as a higher risk to the road due to limited experience, where tighter restrictions can enable more responsible practices being enforced.

When offered suggestions on what restrictions would be most appropriate on young drivers, 38 per cent of respondents believe all young drivers should have limitations on engine size or vehicle power reduced speed limits and limitations on car capabilities.

Banning mobile phone usage completely, including hands-free, was also believed to be an appropriate restriction at 34 per cent, as well as black box insurance being compulsory at 33 per cent.

Currently, young drivers are a key audience for black box insurance companies for lowering insurance premiums and future costs. However, black box insurance is also offered to wider customers such as older drivers.

Other restrictions also considered were lower alcohol limits (29 per cent), restricted night-time driving (28 per cent) and even 25 per cent believing a ban on motorway driving for the first year could be beneficial; despite motorway driving lessons now being available to learner drivers since 2018.

The research provided by Slater and Gordon raises key messages during Road Safety Week, exploring what further restrictions or policies may be raised in the Government's newest road safety strategy, expected to be published in the coming weeks.

Richard Crabtree, principal lawyer in Slater and Gordon’s personal injury team provides guidance for young drivers, “New drivers face unique challenges when they are becoming comfortable driving independently. With limited experience, this naturally comes with some risks. Therefore, it is vital that new drivers are aware of their responsibility to protect themselves and other road users.”

“The restrictions mentioned in the research can be beneficial in reducing dangers and enable safer driving. I believe they are worth considering when it comes to new drivers, where measures like black box insurance and limited engine power can help young drivers become more comfortable and understand how to drive safety as they build their confidence.

“These steps are worth considering to reduce dangers and ultimately create a safe environment for all.”