child driving petition (1280x640) (800x529)

A proposal backed by major motoring organ-isations says introducing driving to the school curriculum could save 400 lives every year on the UK’s roads.

The petition launched by Young Driver and supported by the likes of the Association of British Insurers, the RAC, Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Driving Instructor’s Association (DIA) says it does not want to lower the legal age of driving from 17-years old, but instead wants school children to be taught about driving from a younger age.

By providing lessons in the classroom and practical driving courses, the scheme’s supporters say it would help save the lives of this most vulnerable group of drivers.

Another benefit of the scheme would be to cut the number of deaths of young people travelling in cars driven by other young people aged 17-24-years old. A quarter of all road deaths in the UK involve drivers or passengers aged 15-19-years old.

Kim Stanton from Young Driver explained: “Driving a vehicle is potentially one of the most dangerous and responsible things a person can do. Learning to drive should be done over a long period of time, and from a young age, when pupils are more receptive to safety messages.

“Evidence-based research shows that road safety messages are better absorbed by children in their early teens rather than at driving age. By having this take place at school it can be made inclusive for all. We urge people to sign this petition so we can get this issue in front of the people with the power to change things.”