Goodyear Driving The Young Motorist Debate

Goodyear has released the findings of a research report it undertook with the European Driving Schools Association (EFA) analysing the attitudes of Europe’s driving instructors towards young drivers. Alongside the results, the leading tyre manufacturer co-developed a white paper, together with the views of road safety experts from across Europe, on what policy makers can consider when ensuring young motorists learn to drive safely. Novice drivers have been the subject of great debate in the UK since the government announced plans for a green paper on driver training and testing. Recommendations from the Transport Research Laboratory for a graduated license system have been met with a mixed response. The Goodyear and EFA report found that while 58% of UK driving instructors surveyed are in favour of the graduated driving license system, 74% would be against applying a night-time driving curfew.

The restrictions that UK driving instructors would most like to see are: restrictions on driving certain types of car; stricter punishment for breaking traffic laws; and restrictions on the number and type of passengers. Michelle Fisher, Goodyear’s brand manager, commented: “It’s clear from our research and white paper that improved education can play an important role in helping to reduce road traffic accidents involving young drivers.

“With this in mind, Goodyear has developed a programme that goes into schools across the UK and teaches youngsters driving theory in the classroom using an online game, along with practical driving skills in the school playground through the help and support of our partner, Young Driver. In the last 20 months, the Goodyear Driving Academy has successfully delivered young driver training to over 1,500 youngsters between the ages of 13-17.

“Although this country’s road casualty figures are amongst the lowest in the world, novice driver crashes are still an unacceptable proportion of the total. Through a commitment to working with a variety of stakeholders across the UK, Goodyear hopes to play a full, effective and responsible role in improving road safety.”