Young male drivers "most likely to be uninsured and unlicensed"

POTENTIALLY lethal unlicensed drivers tend to be younger and male, driving up to a staggering 3.7 million hours a month according to a report published this week in the latest edition of Advanced Driving, the IAM members' magazine.

Writing in the newly revamped IAM magazine Neil Greig, IAM Motoring Trust Director, said that a new 10 point plan is needed to prepare young people to drive safely on their own or with passengers after their test. 

"We don't want to demonise young drivers, but research shows that uninsured drivers are typically young males living in urban areas - 60% of those convicted of uninsured driving are under 25, and half are under 20.  These drivers have a high risk of crashing and there is a perception among their peers that they can 'get away with it'.  Young people must be convinced that the only way to drive is fully licensed and insured.  The majority of safe younger drivers should have their efforts supported.  They should know that the police and justice system targets the reckless minority that break the law." Neil Greig told the media.

Mr Greig said that identifying the reckless young driver is key - there should be a better system to require them to go on a rectification course even for minor offences.  "Despite successes in reducing the number of deaths and injuries on Britain's roads, younger drivers are not getting any safer."

The report 'Young Drivers Where and When They Are Unsafe' says that the combined effects of age and driving experience result in fewer crashes. 

"We know novice drivers, particularly those under 20, are most at risk in the early weeks after they pass their driving test," said Mr Greig.

The IAM propose a 10 point plan for young drivers which will improve road safety for road users of all ages:-

1.   Understanding the greatest risk
2.   Focus on rural roads
3.   Start at school
4.   Parental involvement
5.   Low premiums for low risk learners
6.   Identify the reckless
7.   Target police enforcement
8.   Continual improvement
9.   Make roads safer
10.  Incentivise driver aids

Do you agree with this?  Email your views on this topic to news24@southportreporter.com and let us know what you think!

It’s Not Easy Being Green....Or Is It?

AWARD-winning energy consultancy Enact Energy can provide a ‘green’ energy efficiency solution that won’t cost the earth, with their well-established, grant assisted loft and cavity wall insulation scheme, the Heat Project.

This assertion follows recent global research by TNS, the world’s largest custom market research company, which concluded the UK consumer to be the least ‘green’ motivated, with an astonishing 55% of those questioned showing unwilling to pay for products that enhance their ‘green’ credentials.  Such a figure could stem from the current economic climate but illustrates ignorance to the monetary, as well as environmental savings that can be achieved through energy efficient measures. 

The disparity between beliefs and behaviour appears profound amongst the UK public; where green and sustainable choices and initiatives by retailers are appreciated as positive environmental actions by 60% of the UK public, only 34% of the UK public exclusively seek out and support these retailers through purchases, according to the research.  This is in contrast to other countries within Europe, generating support figures as high as 81% in Italy.  In addition, the research showed that while 94% of the UK public is familiar with the implications and meaning of the term ‘carbon footprint’, only 26% of those aware are motivated enough to plan on having their carbon footprint measured in the near future in a bid to see how they can best reduce it.

It is the case that a move towards a green, sustainable future places people in a value-value trade-off.  People seeking to get the best value for money are abandoning environmentally friendly values that exist for the greater good, and are not opening their eyes to the long term benefits green, energy efficient solutions will have on themselves and worldwide climate change.

Around half a home’s heat can be lost through the walls and roof of a non-insulated property; a fact which around two-thirds of the UK public are unaware according to a recent poll carried out by the National Insulation Association.  By insulating these areas it is possible to generate a combined annual saving of £365.00, meaning each installation measure could pay back the original outlay within 4 years, or as little as 18 months with grant assistance provided by the Heat Project. 

The UK wide Heat Project, which provides homeowners, residential landlords and private tenants with substantial grants to assist with loft and cavity wall insulation, has already benefited over 250,000 households across the UK through the installation of insulation, allowing individuals to not only do their bit for the environment but also save money through reduced energy waste and consumption; a significant consideration during a time of economic crisis and threat of recession, when it may be tempting to ignore certain expenses such as those related to ‘green’ issues.

The Heat Project provides an affordable solution to deal with energy efficiency in the home, and acting now can mean relief from the cold winter months, as well as a fast shrinking wallet.

The continual rise in domestic electricity prices requires that energy is consumed efficiently first and foremost, so that people are not paying for wasted fuel. 

The Heat Project insulation scheme can help ensure people only pay for what they consume, while at the same time contributing to the UK ‘green motivation’ that appears to be lacking in comparison with our European neighbours.