'Black boxes' assess young drivers

27/01/12

By Richard Cranidge

Black boxes similar to those used on planes could be fitted in new drivers' cars in Northern Ireland to measure driver performance and help cut insurance costs.

The Department of Environment explained the boxes would assess the motorist's performance, including their speed and braking.

The young drivers could then access Pay How You Drive insurance products which would take into account data from the technology. Evidence of good driving would mean lower premiums while reckless behaviour would have the reverse effect.

Figures show that in Northern Ireland premiums are 11 per cent above the rest of Britain, and up to 70 per cent higher in rural parts of the province.

Data shows drivers under the age of 25 are riskier to insure with almost one in five new drivers involved in a collision within their first six months on the road.

Department of Environment minister Alex Attwood said that he has been exploring ways of cutting premiums with local insurance companies. A similar scheme has already been trialled in Britain.