Graduated Driving Licence Scheme | A Vital Move for Safer Roads?
There is increasing concern for younger drivers, as they are statistically over-represented in the national statistics for killed and serious injuries (KSI).
Overall, in 2023, around a fifth of all KSI casualties from collisions involving cars were in collisions which involved a young car driver.
Young male car drivers aged 17 to 24 are 4 times as likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with all car drivers aged 25 or over.
Many countries implement a graduated drivers licence programme (GDL) designed to help young drivers gain essential driving experience while minimising the risks associated with inexperienced drivers.
The AA has recently introduced a policy advocating for GDL. Additionally, Brake, the national road safety charity, and RoadPeace have been advocating for a GDL for quite some time.
GDL programs are already in place in various countries and have demonstrated a significant reduction in road fatalities and serious injuries. This includes Australia, New Zealand, numerous US States, and it was recently launched in Northern Ireland.
The AA estimates that implementing GDL could save around 58 lives each year.
Aston Knight Solicitors acted for a teenager who was a passenger in a vehicle being driven by a young male. The driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a fence and tree resulting in our client sustaining a serious brain injury.
Why Do Young Drivers Need Extra Support?
Statistics consistently show that drivers aged 17-24 are disproportionately involved in road accidents. Factors such as inexperience, overconfidence, peer pressure, and a tendency to take risks contribute to this reality. Road safety organisations and policymakers recognise the need to bridge the gap between earning a license and becoming a truly safe, responsible driver.
What Is the Graduated Driving Licence Scheme?
The Graduated Driving Licence Scheme is a framework designed to help new drivers gain skills and confidence gradually, reducing their exposure to high-risk situations early on. While the specifics vary globally, the UK has debated introducing certain graduated licensing elements, with key proposals including:
1. A Probationary Period: New drivers could face restrictions during their first few years on the road, such as limited driving at night or restrictions on carrying passengers under 25.
2. Curfews and Night-Time Driving: Many accidents involving young drivers happen at night. A curfew limiting nighttime driving could reduce risks while encouraging better habits.
3. Passenger Restrictions: Limiting the number of young passengers a new driver can carry could reduce distractions and peer pressure to drive recklessly.
4. Mandatory Practice Hours: Extending the learning process to include supervised driving over a longer period helps new drivers develop experience in various road conditions.
5. Zero-Tolerance Alcohol Limits: A stricter alcohol policy for new drivers (often zero tolerance) reinforces the message that any impairment behind the wheel is unacceptable.
Benefits of a Graduated Driving Licence Scheme
The GDLs is more than just restrictions; it’s about fostering a safer driving culture among young people. Here are some key benefits:
• Reduced Accidents: With phased exposure to risky situations, young drivers are less likely to be involved in crashes.
• Confidence Building: Gradual exposure helps drivers gain confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
• Long-Term Skills: A more comprehensive training approach leads to better driving habits that last a lifetime.
• Community Benefits: Safer roads mean fewer injuries, less strain on emergency services, and potentially lower insurance premiums over time.
Current Challenges and Debates
While the GDLs is supported by road safety experts, some aspects of it face resistance. Critics argue that curfews and passenger limits could hinder young people’s independence, especially in rural areas with limited public transport. Others feel such schemes unfairly stereotype young drivers as reckless. Striking the right balance between safety and fairness is key to ensuring the success of the scheme.
What’s Next for the UK?
The UK government has been exploring ways to implement elements of the Graduated Driving Licence Scheme in response to rising calls for action. Scotland trialled a “graduated licensing” model in the past, and organisations like Brake and the RAC Foundation continue to advocate for wider adoption of GDLS measures.
Throughout his career, Ayoub Khan has witnessed and acted for many clients who were the unfortunate innocent passengers or drivers of vehicles involved in road traffic accidents as a result of inexperienced young drivers. Ayoub comments:
“I have witnessed firsthand the tragic consequences that severe injuries and fatalities on our roads can bring, compounded by the reality that these incidents are often preventable with greater care and attention.
Introducing graduated driving license laws in the UK could be a pivotal measure in addressing these preventable tragedies. Such laws, designed to phase in driving privileges and restrictions gradually, have shown promise in reducing accidents among new drivers in other countries. By implementing similar regulations, we can create a safer learning environment for young drivers, allowing them to gain experience under less risky conditions.
Driving is a privilege, not a right—and with the right tools and support, young drivers can enjoy that privilege responsibly while making the UK’s roads safer for all”.
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