As part of a broader effort following PACTS’ publication of the Road Safety Manifesto 2024 in May, the organisation has linked with RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims, and published a compelling open letter, advocating for the immediate introduction of a Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) system. It was sent to leaders of all political parties ahead of the General Election on July 4. Signed by over 1,900 supporters, it urges the new government to implement GDL within the first 100 days of Parliament.
Statistics highlight the urgency: young drivers aged 17 to 24 are involved in 24% of all fatal and serious collisions, despite representing only 7% of the driving population. In 2022, crashes involving young drivers resulted in 4,935 deaths or serious injuries, impacting victims of all ages.
The Road Safety Manifesto 2024, coordinated by PACTS, has garnered support from nearly 100 UK road safety organizations. The manifesto outlines four key priorities to mitigate road deaths and injuries, with GDL being a crucial component. In countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, GDL has reduced road casualties involving young drivers by 20% to 40%.
Young and inexperienced drivers are disproportionately involved in serious collisions. GDL is a proven solution that can significantly reduce these incidents.
Research has been undertaken into the benefits of graduated driver licensing, debunking the concerns of critics and showing the many advantages for young people and the economy, not least the saving of lives and the unnecessary and preventable trauma it causes: Study confirms benefits of graduated driver licensing (racfoundation.org)