Have you heard the news that the driving age could be increased to 18? And that new drivers under the age of 30 will have a night-time curfew for 12 months, where they cannot drive their vehicle between the hours of 22.00 and 05.00? However, if they are carrying a passenger over the age of 30, they can drive at night. These newly qualified drivers would also be banned from carrying anyone below the age of 30 until the 12 month learner stage is completed.
This is ridiculous. It doesn't even apply to me because I have a full driving license already. I feel so sorry for those new drivers, if this law comes into play. It suggests that you can receive a provisional driving license at the age of 17, but won't be able to take your test until you are 18. Said people will have to complete, as before mentioned, a learner stage in which they have to clock up at least 100 hours of daytime driving and 20 hours of supervised night-time driving.
As quoted from Sky News, 5% of all miles driven in the UK are done by young drivers. They are also involved in roughly 20% of crashes where someone is killed or seriously injured (this involves people between the ages of 17 and 24). So, this is why this new law is being considered; to try to decrease the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by young drivers. But, and this is a big but for me, who are involved in the other 80% of fatal or serious injury crashes? I personally find it unfair to impose this restriction on young drivers; yes, I acknowledge the fact that the minority of young, boy racers give the majority of young drivers a bad name, but there are equally as many older, arrogant drivers on Britain's roads. More times than not, when I'm being tailgated, it is by a businessman, most likely in his 30's. Or when I'm being overtaken on the motorway at ridiculous speeds, it is by someone in an incredibly flashy Audi or BMW, which 90% of young people can't afford to buy or insure.
As someone quite rightly pointed out on the BBC News site, age is not the problem; maturity is. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying young drivers aren't involved in accidents, but if the government want this law to be legislated, where are the limitations for those drivers over 50 who cause accidents?
I think a decent solution to this "problem" is to have more vigorous driving tests. Ones that include everything; from city roads to country roads, night-time and daytime driving and some time on the motorway. I know, there is PastPlus, but not everyone wants to do it and not everyone can afford it. Also, not all insurance companies consider it when giving you a quote. I just think these limitations and restrictions will cause more harm than good. Drivers under 30, during their 12 month learning stage, will always be conscious of the time. If they see they will be late and go into the curfew, they may drive more dangerously to get home quicker to not get caught. Young people will always have their friends in the car, despite what laws there are.
The government have yet to solve the whole mobile phone issue in vehicles; that should be dealt with first before trying to bring this law in.
Free world? Slowly changing.
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