This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/17/young-drivers-learn-year-test-thinktank
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Young drivers should learn for a year before taking test, thinktank urges | Young drivers should learn for a year before taking test, thinktank urges |
| (2 months later) | |
| A leading motoring thinktank has called for young drivers to have at least one year's experience on the road before taking their driving test as a way to cut death rates. | A leading motoring thinktank has called for young drivers to have at least one year's experience on the road before taking their driving test as a way to cut death rates. |
| The RAC Foundation is calling for a one-year minimum learning period – during which candidates would have to gain experience of driving in darkness and in different conditions. | The RAC Foundation is calling for a one-year minimum learning period – during which candidates would have to gain experience of driving in darkness and in different conditions. |
| The plan would also bring in restrictions on carrying passengers for a year after the test and a probationary licence for the first two years. | The plan would also bring in restrictions on carrying passengers for a year after the test and a probationary licence for the first two years. |
| Similar measures already exist in Northern Ireland, where the assembly is looking to further tighten the licensing scheme in the autumn. | Similar measures already exist in Northern Ireland, where the assembly is looking to further tighten the licensing scheme in the autumn. |
| Young drivers are three times more likely to die on Britain's roads than the average licence-holder, with 1,552 motorists in the 17-24 age range killed or seriously injured in 2011, the thinktank found. | Young drivers are three times more likely to die on Britain's roads than the average licence-holder, with 1,552 motorists in the 17-24 age range killed or seriously injured in 2011, the thinktank found. |
| One in five young drivers has an accident in the first six months after passing the test. | One in five young drivers has an accident in the first six months after passing the test. |
| The US and Australia have had a sharp drop in casualties after placing extra conditions on new drivers. | The US and Australia have had a sharp drop in casualties after placing extra conditions on new drivers. |
| Prof Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "Young people are four times more likely to die in a road accident than as a result of drink or drugs. | Prof Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "Young people are four times more likely to die in a road accident than as a result of drink or drugs. |
| "Yet, as a society, we seem to turn a blind eye to the carnage. If this was any other area of public health there would be an outcry. | "Yet, as a society, we seem to turn a blind eye to the carnage. If this was any other area of public health there would be an outcry. |
| "Our research shows that putting certain restrictions on young drivers allows them to rapidly build up live-saving experience in the safest possible way. | "Our research shows that putting certain restrictions on young drivers allows them to rapidly build up live-saving experience in the safest possible way. |
| "Putting a firm number on casualty reduction is hard but the evidence suggests a full package of measures could reduce fatalities by anything up to 60%." | "Putting a firm number on casualty reduction is hard but the evidence suggests a full package of measures could reduce fatalities by anything up to 60%." |
| Stephen Hammond, the road safety minister, said: "Improving young drivers' safety is a priority for us – that is why we have already improved the driving test so that it better reflects real-life conditions on the road, rather than focusing on specific manoeuvres. | Stephen Hammond, the road safety minister, said: "Improving young drivers' safety is a priority for us – that is why we have already improved the driving test so that it better reflects real-life conditions on the road, rather than focusing on specific manoeuvres. |
| "We are also considering a range of options to ensure learners and newly qualified drivers are properly prepared for the road and we will publish our proposals later in the year." | "We are also considering a range of options to ensure learners and newly qualified drivers are properly prepared for the road and we will publish our proposals later in the year." |
| Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. | Our editors' picks for the day's top news and commentary delivered to your inbox each morning. |
Previous version
1
Next version