Privilege Insurance supports calls for compulsory ‘P-Plates’

According to new research by Privilege Insurance, almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of the nation have been involved in a road accident either as a driver, pedestrian or cyclist during their lifetime.

The findings of the research show that these accidents could hit at any time in a person’s life:

• 16 per cent of people were involved in a road accident while under the age of 16
• Almost half (45 per cent) had a road accident during their 20s.
• One in three had at least one accident while in their 30s
• 21 per cent of those in their 40s had been affected.
• 15 per cent of the over 50s have had an accident.

And it is young drivers who are most at fault, it seems. Nearly a quarter of drivers (22 per cent) in their 20s admitted to causing an accident, compared to 14 per cent of those in their 30s, just one in ten of those in their 40s and a mere five per cent of those in their 50s. Less than one per cent of drivers aged over 65 claim to have caused a road accident.

The research suggests that reckless driving behaviour has been the cause of almost 1 million accidents in the last twelve months. Nearly nine in ten (88 per cent) of those surveyed admitted to committing at least one of ten key dangerous driver traits in the past twelve months, as identified by Privilege Insurance.  

Seven in ten (74 per cent) have broken the speed limit, over four in ten (42 per cent) have run a red light and a significant six per cent admitted to driving too close to the car in front (‘tailgaiting’).

18-20 year olds are the main culprits with almost all (95 per cent) of this age group admitting to one or more of the reckless driving traits. But mature drivers aren’t entirely blame free – seven in ten (71 per cent) drivers aged 65-80 admit to committing at least one of the traits in the past year.

To enable safe drivers to identify inexperienced and potentially unsafe road users, Privilege Insurance is supporting recent calls on government to introduce a graduated driving licence, including compulsory ‘P-plates’ for newly qualified drivers.

Ian Parker, managing director of Privilege Insurance, commented on the findings:
“It is shocking to see that two-thirds of the population are likely to have an accident on the roads in their lifetime, be they a driver, pedestrian, cyclist or passenger.

“British drivers should view these findings as a wake up call to look closely at their driving behaviour.  We appreciate fully the stresses and strains of modern life, but urge people to value the importance of driving safely so that ultimately we work to reduce the impact of road accidents.

“Privilege’s support for the campaign to introduce compulsory P-plates is a meaningful way of ensuring the vast majority of drivers are able to recognise those who may not be experienced on the roads.”

-Ends-

For more information, contact iJack Communications:
Simon Francis, 020 7419 7340, simon.francis@ijack.com
Rachael Shaw, 0204 419 7335, rachael.shaw@ijack.com

Notes to Editors
This news story applies to England, Scotland & Wales only.

Regional Table

Region Per cent of drivers that have been involved in a road accident in their lifetime

East Anglia   70
North West   70
South West   70
Scotland    68
South & South East   68
London   66
North East   65
Midlands 65
Yorkshire and the Humber   63
Wales   59
National Averages   65

The Privilege Insurance research was conducted between 29th April and 3rd May 2005. YouGov interviewed a sample of 2473 individuals in Great Britain. The survey was carried out online. Results were weighted to be representative of the known profile of British people from the 2001 Census

3 per cent of drivers who admitted to one of the reckless driving traits then said that this driving behaviour had contributed to an accident resulting in damage to themselves, another person or a vehicle.  This equates to 2.68 per cent of all drivers.  According to the Census 2001, there are 44,020,057 GB citizens over the age of 18, of which (according to the research), 74 per cent drive = 32,574,842 drivers.  2.68 per cent of drivers is 873,006 who admitted to causing an accident due to reckless driving behaviour in the last twelve months.

The traits were:

Driven faster than a national speed limit

Beeped horn/flashed lights at other drivers (other than as a warning of your approach)

Accelerated when approaching traffic lights to ensure you get through before the red light (‘running red lights’)

Pulled out quickly at junctions without checking for other road users

Driven through a red light

Driven through an amber light

Overtaken on the inside lane

Overtaken when there is little space on the road

Constantly switched lanes to find a quicker route through the traffic

Tailgated another driver

Currently, displaying a P-plate is voluntary in Great Britain and a Department for Transport paper on learning to drive, published last year, failed to make any recommendations to restrict young drivers, despite the majority of consultation respondents backing measures such as compulsory use of P plates as well as extended learning and probationary periods.  In the Isle of Man, newly qualified drivers must display red ‘R’ (restricted driver) plates for a year after passing their test, and are limited to driving at 50mph or below.  In Victoria, Australia, drivers hold a ‘probationary’ licence for three years before a full licence is granted – during this time there is a zero tolerance drink-drive limit. In at least 25 US states, curfews have been introduced on young drivers, restricting night driving. In California, USA, drivers under 18 must not carry passengers aged under 20, unless they are accompanied by a licensed driver aged 25 or over. In Ontario, Canada, new drivers must pass a second, more advanced driving test to gain a full licence.