Driving safety tops list of parental concerns

Fear of their children being injured in a serious car crash tops the list of parents’ concerns, according to the findings of an ABI survey.

The ABI commissioned survey of parents with children aged 16-25 found that out of a list of options provided:

Nearly two thirds of parents surveyed (62%) said they were most worried about their children being involved in a car accident.

59% of parents surveyed were worried that their child would be unable to get a job.

A third of parents surveyed (33%) were concerned their child would not reach their potential at school or university.

31% of those surveyed were worried about their child taking illegal drugs.

Less than a third of parents surveyed (27%) were concerned about their children taking up smoking.

James Dalton, Head of Motor at the ABI said: “Parents are right to be concerned for their children’s safety on the roads since car crashes are the single biggest cause of accidental death among 15-24 year olds. The survey findings highlight the need for Government to introduce reforms to reduce the tragic loss of young lives. The Government Green Paper that was promised to look at tackling the problem has repeatedly been delayed.

“We have long been campaigning for changes to help young people become safer drivers with our Campaign for Safe Young Drivers, but until action is taken, parents will continue to worry every time their child gets into a car. Every day of delay puts more young lives at risk on our roads.”

The ABI is calling for:

A one-year minimum learning period

Limiting the number of passengers allowed in a car with a new young driver for 6 months after passing their driving test

Zero tolerance on the drink- drive alcohol limit