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The AA is backing a proposal to stop new drivers under 21 from carrying passengers their own age for six months after they pass their tests, sparking fresh debate about stricter rules for young drivers.
The suggested changes include giving new drivers six penalty points if they’re caught not wearing a seatbelt, which would result in a loss of their licence.
The AA also suggests introducing a “G” plate to mark them as “graduate” drivers, making it easier for police to identify those in this category. According to the AA, these changes could save around 58 lives a year and prevent 934 serious injuries.
Figures from the Department for Transport (DfT) show that last year, 290 people died and 4,669 were seriously injured in crashes involving drivers aged 17-24.
Jakob Pfaudler, the AA’s chief executive, says that similar systems in other countries have significantly cut road deaths and injuries. He also believes these changes could help bring down the high insurance costs that young drivers face, as fewer accidents would mean lower risk.
An AA survey shows some support for these measures, with 33 per cent of respondents backing passenger restrictions for new drivers. But so far, the government has held back, pointing to concerns about how these changes could affect job opportunities for young people.
Or perhaps you’d prefer a different approach, such as introducing the requirement to re-take tests after a few years or at a certain age?
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