Young drivers may have to grow older

New measures put forward by the government could see the driving age rise to 18 to stop the frequency of accidents suffered by young drivers. This is amongst one of the proposals being put forward by the Labour government under pressure from motor insurance bodies.

The regulatory body for car insurance - ABI seems to agree that raising the driving age would make sense, their spokesman said: "Most accidents involving young drivers are because of a lack of experience and there is an element of bravado in the way that they will drive. If raising the age limit helps break this vicious cycle, then it has to be considered."

Looking at the facts, in 2005 there was an 8% reduction in motoring deaths overall but in the 16-19 age group there was a 12% rise in deaths.

A less draconian suggestion (although one that seems equally unpopular with young drivers) is a curfew on any 16-19 year old between 11pm-5am. Young driver car insurance companies have long campaigned for a change to the law but this law may serve only to force more young drivers into not insuring their cars.

Date - 15/11/2006