Uninsured and Unlicensed

Stop slouching and listen up, lad. I’ve got something to say to you….Not only do you have a bad attitude, a stupid haircut and dismal taste in music…you’re also most likely to be uninsured and unlicensed! This is how a certain relative of mine – let’s call him Uncle Bruce – would inform our nation’s younger drivers of the findings in a recent report from road safety organisation IAM. The IAM itself, of course, tackles this important issue in a much more constructive and tactful manner.

According to the report, published in the latest edition of the organisation’s Advanced Driving magazine, potentially lethal unlicensed drivers tend to be younger and male, and drive up to an accumulated 3.7 million hours a month. Neil Greig, IAM Motoring Trust director, said that a new ten-point plan is needed to prepare young people to drive safely on their own or with passengers after their test.

“We don’t want to demonise young drivers, but research shows that uninsured drivers are typically young males living in urban areas – 60 per cent of those convicted of uninsured driving are under 25, and half are under 20,” said Greig. According to the IAM, the average age of unlicensed drivers involved in crashes in 28, compared with 38 for licensed drivers. Up to half a million unlicensed drivers are on the road in Britain, and one in 20 motorists drives without insurance.

“These drivers have a high risk of crashing and there is a perception among their peers that they can ‘get away with it’. Young people must be convinced that the only way to drive is fully licensed and insured. The majority of safe younger drivers should have their efforts supported. They should know that the police and justice system targets the reckless minority that break the law,” said Mr. Greig.

Mr. Greig said that identifying the reckless young driver is key – there should be a better system to require them to go on a rectification course even for minor offences. “Despite successes in reducing the number of deaths and injuries on Britain’s roads, younger drivers are not getting any safer,” said Mr. Greig. “We know novice drivers, particularly those under 20, are most at risk in the early weeks after they pass their driving test,” said Mr. Greig.

The proposed IAM ten point plan for young drivers, aimed at improving road safety for road users of all ages, includes the following:

1. Understanding the greatest risk
2. Focus on rural roads
3. Start at school
4. Parental involvement
5. Low premiums for low risk learners
6. Identify the reckless
7. Target police enforcement
8. Continual improvement
9. Make roads safer
10. Incentivise driver aids