RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
1st October 1998
CASE HIGHLIGHTS FEARS OVER YOUNG DRIVERS
Dave Rogers, RoSPA Road Safety Adviser, commenting on court case following death of elderly Wolverhampton sisters :
"This is a classic case of a driver who falls into the category most likely to have a road accident - a young male in the two years after passing his test. It highlights many road safety issues which cause RoSPA grave concern.
"Because of accidents like this, RoSPA is pressing for changes in the driving test. We believe the driving licence is currently too easy to get and too hard to lose. Drivers need to spend longer periods on the roads under supervision, experiencing a number of driving scenarios - eg bad-weather driving, night driving - before they are allowed to take their test. They must learn respect for their vehicle and other road users. Logbooks need to be kept to prove learner drivers have enough experience and that they have developed the correct attitude towards driving and understand the need for hazard awareness. Sadly, the current set up appears to encourage novice drivers to learn to pass a test, but not necessarily to drive safely.
"We believe that two years after passing a test, new drivers needs to have their driving reassessed by an expert to check if they are still driving with safety in mind. This would encourage drivers to improve their driving standards. We hope this would stop people learning to pass a comparatively short test and then immediately forgetting all the safety lessons they have learned.
"A performance car was involved in this case and they, like all cars, need to be treated with respect. Parents buying cars for their children need to consider whether their child is mature enough and has the right attitude to be on the roads. If a driver has the wrong attitude, the type of vehicle is irrelevant. A young driver behind the wheel of an old ‘banger’ being driven at speed can be lethal.
"Obviously it is important to have a well-maintained, mechanically sound car and, if you are buying second-hand, have it checked by an expert - for your own safety and for that of other road users. Cars alone do not kill people - the problems are caused by the person behind the wheel."
