A recent study conducted by Cardiff University, between 200 and 2007 backs a call for the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL). Data analysis for the research was carried out to estimate the number of lives that could be saved.
Under the proposed policy newly qualified drivers aged between 17 & 24 will be banned from driving at night and from carrying passengers of a similar age, for up to two years. Similar schemes are already operated in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and parts of the USA.
The researches have claimed that such a policy could save 200 lives and result in 1,700 fewer injuries. Research also suggests that one in five new drivers crashes within their first six months on the road. The Cardiff team says that by targeting them with graduated driver licensing, many accidents might be avoided.
The research will be presented at the World Safety Conference, which will hear from other experts on how road safety could be improved.