Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Young drivers face limit on passengers

Marie Woolf
Wednesday 09 January 2002 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Teenage drivers may face a limit on the number of passengers they can carry to discourage them from speeding to impress their friends.

Teenage drivers may face a limit on the number of passengers they can carry to discourage them from speeding to impress their friends.

The proposals, in a government consultation document to be published shortly, will recommend that young motorists be subject to new curbs to cut the number of deaths on the roads. The report will suggest raising the age at which motorists can enjoy all the benefits of a full licence. It will float the possibility of a probationary scheme for teenage motorists, including limits on passengers.

Research for the AA by Reading University suggested that young men were likely to drive faster if a male friend was in the passenger seat. They were also more likely to drive too close to cars in front and to "show off". Young women drivers were inclined to drive more carefully if they were with a female passenger but faster if they were carrying a man.

The proposals were unveiled yesterday by the transport minister David Jamieson. The document will set out plans to give young drivers who have just passed their test a broader knowledge of road conditions before they are given free rein on the road.

Almost 10 per cent of 12,695 car drivers injured in 2000 were aged between 17 and 19.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in