Plans to introduce graduated driving licences (GDLs) in the UK should cover all new drivers – not just younger ones – to address driving risks across all ages.
Software specialist FleetCheck has spotlighted that any inexperienced driver represent a risk, and said GDLs could help fleets to formalise how they are managed as part of comprehensive risk strategies.
Analysis published by the AA last month revealed the life-saving potential of GDLS but its ideas were very much centred on under-21s.
Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck, said such thinking is understandable because road safety statistics show that this is very much an at-risk group – but he added that all new drivers are inexperienced and represent a risk.
“If someone doesn’t pass their test until 30, they might not have the same statistical likelihood of being involved in an accident as a 17-year-old but it would still be arguably irresponsible for them to be immediately allowed to drive a 3.5-tonne van or a powerful car.
“This kind of scenario is especially important in a fleet context, where an employee might be given access to a wider range of vehicles than is likely to happen to a private motorist. Of course, some fleets already have rules in place designed to protect new and inexperienced drivers but certainly not all, and there is a strong argument for supporting GDLs.”
Golding did say that older motorists passing their test should not be treated identically to younger ones when it came to all of the ideas being mooted for GDLs.
“One of the AA’s ideas is that under-21s should not be allowed to carry passengers of a similar age. There’s a general acceptance that some people of that age will drive in an irresponsible manner to try and impress their friends, with attendant risks.
“Really, the same arguments are unlikely to apply to older people. In fact, carrying someone of a similar age who is an experienced driver in this scenario is probably a benefit.”
FleetCheck is now calling for a full GDL consultancy to be carried out by the Government to ensure the new systems is implemented into law as soon as possible.
“A private members bill on GDLs was introduced before the general election by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater and received a good reaction. Now, it would be good to hear from transport secretary Louise Haigh on the Government’s plans to move the issue forward.
“The sooner that measures of these type make their way into law and start saving lives, the better, and the sooner that fleets can produce new risk management strategy documents that incorporate the thinking behind GDLs.”
