ABI welcomes government’s young driver proposals

The ABI has welcomed the government’s forthcoming green paper on young driver safety following today’s summit between ministers and insurers.

At the summit, a follow-up to last year’s Prime Minister’s Insurance Summit, the Department for Transport said it would publish a green paper containing proposals to curb young driver crashes this spring.

The ABI is calling for a 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, and a zero blood alcohol driving limit for an initial period after a young person passes their driving test.

ABI director general Otto Thoresen said: “We have long campaigned for changes to the current approach to learning to drive which does little to help young people become safe, secure drivers.

“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% to 20%.”