Safe Speed Forums

We have a bit of a problem in the UK. We basically have the one of the easiest ways to get a license in developed countries. Now, all the talk about what causes accidents, surely the most effective thing we can do is to tackle both speed and driver capability at the same time (I know this site goes to great lengths to say speed isn't a major cause of accidents, but come on, experienced drivers driving at reasonable speeds has got to be the way forward). Our European partners have systems whereby learners have to complete a test AND probation period (notably France where drivers have to complete a number of supervised miles in a year after provisional license is awarded). Surely a similar system can be implemented in the UK. We have the ludicrous system whereby drivers can be awarded their license on their 17th birthday (I knew 3 people from my school days - all farmers offspring - who did this) even though they've never driven on a road with traffic - and effectively that's them qualified until they're well in to pension years!!

The only problem is that it would effectively take 50 years to see a complete change in overall driver competence if we did this in the UK. So how do we tackle this in the ? Force people to take advanced driving lessons? Resit driving tests every 10-15 years? Or in the extreme get really tough on those who are proven in court to drive wrecklessly/ drunk etc. and take their license away?

To be fair, I believe speed (and yes that includes camera enforcement) has a role to play in this - although I'm not sure how large that role should be. We have the unbelievable state whereby nearly everyone thinks they are an above average driver yet statistically 49% of us have got to be BELOW average. Surely having people driving at lower speeds prevents the idiots (to which nobody will admit to being but everybody recognises on the road!) can only be good for roads as a whole? In the meantime, the long term strategy has got to be to improve overall driver capability so they can recognise the dangers of their speed when appropriate and then generally back off draconian measures.

I don't have an answer - any suggestions?

hey kev
pretty cool observations you make.
try driving a couple thousand miles a week and you will soon see where driving improvements need to be.

for sure make the license harder to get in the first place and make the training more involved, include skidpans and motorway driving and a host of other things to teach a new driver how to drive safely.

I agree.

Already posted on this - on the various related threads here and on othr forums!

Think you all know my views (and the wife's via PH - and you've probably met the rest of the family at some time either on PH or some other forum!)

We would like to see test brought up to German standard - which included Motorway drive. This was introduced in 1976 in Germany, and it only took 5 months for German government to introduce it in response to nasty accident caused by probationer on the Autobahn!

There should, in our opinion, be a retraining course every 5 years - which does not need to be a formal re-test. Perhaps just a little 2-3 hour drive with an ADI, which driver pays for! The cost can be offset by reduced insurance premiums upon production of the regular check-ups! This would contribute towards reduction of bad habits, safer driving, and most importantly - keep a check on eyesight and general health!

Now admittedly I passed by L-test after just 6 weeks of intensive lessons during school hols, but had to earn my parents' trust before they would let me loose on my ownsome in the family cars! I did IAM and RoSPA before I left university!

Unless you make it compulsory and something everyone needs to do, it won't improve the situation all that much. We already have 'Pass Plus' which reduces insurance premiums, but not everyone does it. And if it's compulsory, the idea of reduced insurance premiums makes no sense - reduced compared with what!?

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-mike[F]
Caught in the rush of the crowd, lost in a wall of sound..

Compulsory check-up would be implication! Insurance companies would see you as "reduced" risk. That is why they offer lower premiums for ladies (not as reckless as us fellas - allegedly - but they have not been on a track day with the wife and her pals ) As IAM/RoSPA member - insurance cost is reduced as "supposed to be responsible and safe chap and less of an accident risk"

You have to have some give and take - if the numpties out there see a return for outlay of a driving course fee, they would perhaps be more willing to accept it! If you force them to shell out more money - even if the return is their safety on the road - they would balk at it!

After all - insurance can go up if you have 3 points on licence as you are increased accident risk in their eyes - though there are some indications that more and more are not penalising for 3 points on grounds that so many have them now!

But reason for saying "brush-up" or similar is that people would "gag" at idea of doing that TEST again! Formal re-test should be only if chap is complete numpty behind the wheel and this is only course forward short of life long ban!

Personally - would encourage all to at least think of IAM or buy some of the publications for tips on safety and control! Not as good as actual practice - but good to know theory behind it!

Two of the youngsters in our family have IAM already. Aged 19 & 20 -very useful for parental peace of mind, road safety, know-how and awareness, as well as "useful" for insurance. 17 year old just completed Pass Plus and will be looking at IAM when more experienced. Their parents say they still had to shop around insurance-wise for reasonable "deals" for young drivers.

Their experience (three different family units): IAM youngsters - received reasonable (but not great) discounts presumably again due to age, but the youngest one's parents found that some insurance companies offered no discount for Pass Plus - which was astonishing! He is not even driving a flash car! A Corsa!

Has any one else experienced this with Pass Plus and insurance? Do know of 2 chaps on another forum had this with their lads and lasses!

If this is case - could be why apparent slow take-up of Pass Plus? (Seem to recall something the wife showed me on this - have to look it up!)

For me on my car (which is currently insured in Dad's name, but we were thinking about having it in my name to try and build up NCD), it was about £1100 without Pass Plus and ~£650 with. That's with Norwich Union. However, it's only £440 or so in Dad's name anyway

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-mike[F]
Caught in the rush of the crowd, lost in a wall of sound..