Restrictions On Young Drivers Urged

By Emma Sword

Imposing certain restrictions on newly qualified young motorists could save lives, prevent accidents and protect innocent drivers' car insurance premiums, it has been claimed.

A study by Cardiff University found some 200 lives could be saved and 1,700 injuries prevented if Graduated Licensing (GDL) was introduced for those aged between 17 to 24.

The scheme would see young drivers banned from night driving, drinking alcohol and carrying passengers of a similar age for up to years after passing their test.

Similar schemes are already operated in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and parts of the US.

The Cardiff team analysed road accident data in the UK from 2000 to 2007 to estimate the number of lives that could be saved by the restrictions.

One in five new motorists crashes within six months of passing their driving test and the researchers said many accidents could be prevented and costs to the NHS reduced by GDL.

Dr Sarah Jones, who led the research, said: "GDL works in other countries and there's no good reason why it wouldn't work here."