Learning to Drive

Learning to drive is an exciting time for
many teenagers, and probably a very worrying time for most parents. Young
drivers are quite often quite oblivious to the dangers which can face them on
the roads; it is therefore extremely important to help them to start their
driving career as safely as possible.
It is unlikely that anyone except an
approved driving instructor (ADI) would have the experience, knowledge and
training to teach young drivers properly. Learning safe driving habits from the
start is crucial for improved safety on the roads.
It is vital to set a good example to young
drivers, when they are learning to drive, as bad driving habits are very hard
to break and tend to stay with you for the rest of your driving life.
Learner drivers have few accidents because
they are always under supervision. But, once they have passed their test, and
can drive unsupervised, their chances of crashing increase dramatically.
Young drivers are much more likely to crash
than experienced drivers.
- 1 in 5 drivers crash within their first year of driving
- 1 in 3 male drivers aged between 17 and
20 years crash in the first two years after passing their test.
- An 18 year old driver is more than three
times as likely to be involved in a crash as a 48 year old driver.
- Young drivers are more likely to be
involved in high speed crashes, single vehicle crashes involving losing
control, crashes in the dark and crashes when overtaking and negotiating bends.
There are many factors which can help
explain why young drivers are more likely to crash:
Lack of experience
This is one of the main reasons new drivers
are more likely to have accidents. As new drivers gain more driving experience
their accident rate begins to fall.
Attitude
Young drivers, especially men, tend to be
over confident and are more likely to drive in risky ways: too fast, too close
to the vehicle in front and dangerous overtaking.
Young drivers consistently rate their own
performance as above average and are more likely to regard ‘good’ driving as
the ability to master the controls of the car at higher speeds.
Hazard Perception
Young drivers often have excellent vehicle
control skills and fast reactions. But, they are poor at identifying potential
hazards and assessing risk, and tend to overestimate their ability to avoid the
hazard and accident. It takes new drivers up to two seconds longer to react to
hazardous situations than more experienced drivers.
Peer pressure
Young drivers, especially men, who carry friends are more likely to have a crash.
Gender
Novice male drivers have higher accident
rates than novice female drivers, and are more likely to commit driving
offences.
Penalty points
Not only are new drivers more likely to
crash, but they are allowed fewer penalty points before losing their licence.
If a driver acquires six or more penalty points within two years of passing
their first test, their licence is revoked. They must then obtain a new
provisional licence, drive as a learner (display an ‘L’Plate and be supervised) and pass the theory and practical driving tests again.
The
main penalty point offences are:
- Speeding: 3-6 points
- Going through a red light: 3 points
- Careless driving: 3-9 points
- Driving without insurance: 6-8 points
- Failing to stop after an accident: 5-10 points
New
Drivers & Pass Plus
Passing the Driving Test is the first step
to safe driving, not the end result. Encourage the young driver in your
household to take further training. The Pass Plus scheme helps new drivers
improve their skills and widen their driving experience. Pass Plus is a
training course designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of
insurers and the driving instruction industry. Many driving experts feel that
the elements of Pass Plus should be involved in the standard driving test. The
course is operated by most standard driving schools but it must be taken within
12 months of passing the standard test. The cost of the course starts at £100,though prices may vary. It is made up of six practical
modules which include:
- Driving in town
- Driving in all weathers
- Driving on rural roads
- Driving at night
- Driving on dual carriageways
- Driving on motorways
There is no test, however you will be
continually assessed and must complete all the modules successfully. once completed, drivers can obtain reduced insurance
premiums from some insurance companies. It is advisable to check available
discounts offered by the many insurance companies taking part in the scheme.
The saving made may be more than the cost of the course.
Safe Driving Agreement
Over 3000 car drivers aged under 25 are killed or seriously injured on
Britain
’s
roads each year. It is therefore very important to encourage safer driving
right from the start.
In America,
parent/young driver agreements are very popular. The new driver is allowed to
drive the family car (or their own car if you help to fund it) unsupervised, if
they agree to certain conditions for the first year or so of driving. This
keeps them away from situations that are most likely to lead to crashes. The
agreements are flexible and tailored to meet individual needs. They can be
verbal or written (for a sample Safer Driving Agreement go to www.rospa.com). They are not about being over-protective or unreasonable but
are promises between the parent and the young driver for safer driving. Agree
with your son or daughter some or all of the following:
Driving at night: As young drivers have
a high proportion of their crashes at night, agree the times when they can
drive the car. For example, you might agree they
will not use the car between midnight and 6:00 am.The exact times can be agreed between you, and can be
relaxed as their driving experience increases.
Carrying
Groups of Friends: For the first few months after
your son or daughter has 0passed their test consider agreeing a limit on the
number of friends they carry to just one or two if you are not also in the car. Passenger numbers can be
increased gradually as experience is gained.
Alcohol
and drugs: Ask the young driver in your household
to stick to a zero limit when driving for a year or so after passing their
test. Ask them not to take a lift with drivers who have been drinking or might
have taken drugs. Remember, even some over-the-counter medicines cause
drowsiness. A young person with a drink-drive record is almost uninsurable —
but if you do manage to get insured, it will cost a small fortune.
Speed: Young drivers are more likely to see speed as exciting. They are
particularly prone to approaching bends too fast and to dangerous overtaking.
Even keeping within the speed limit can be unsafe, for example on wet or icy
roads or on narrow, winding rural roads. Discuss with your young driver why you
would like them not to speed or take risks.
Mobile
phones: Whilst it is reassuring for young drivers
to carry a mobile phone, it is dangerous and also illegal to use it whilst
driving. Ask your son or daughter to agree only to use their mobile phone
whilst parked. Discuss other distractions, like playing loud music, eating,
drinking and smoking, to ensure they are aware of the implications of dividing
attention between the driving and other things.
A Safer Driving Agreement requires both the
parent and the young driver to make promises. In a survey (conducted by RoSPA)
most young drivers said they would not object to negotiating some conditions
with their parents.