Direct Line backs calls for graduated drivers licence

Personal lines insurer Direct Line Group has added its voice to those calling for a graduated drivers licence to cut the number of car crashes involving young drivers.

The comments follow the third summit between the government and insurers aimed at cutting bodily injury claims, at which the government unveiled a consultation on cutting young driver crashes.

Direct Line Group managing director Tom Woolgrove pointed out that while young drivers only make up 8% of licence-holders, they are involved in 25% of road deaths and serious injuries. This is the main reason why young drivers pay higher motor premiums.

Woolgrove said: “Direct Line Group believes these statistics can be reversed through the implementation of a graduated drivers licence, similar to the results seen in other countries. The benefits would not only be in the saving of young lives, but the positive effect on young drivers’ premiums.”

He added: “We believe a combination of education, regulation and technology is needed. Whilst we believe telematics can play a major role in rewarding those safer young drivers with lower premiums, we also believe the implementation of a graduated drivers licence would make a real difference.

“It would have positive effect on the driving behaviour and habits of young people, particularly in the critical period just after passing their test, and more importantly, reduce catastrophic accidents and save lives.”

Direct Line Group said it fully supports the ABI’s call for a graduated drivers licence. This includes a one year minimum learning period for young drivers, limiting the number of young passengers in the vehicle for the first six months after passing their test, and restrictions on night time driving for young drivers for an initial period after passing their driving test.