Stop Start Drivers 'present road safety hazard'

Date: 22/3/2011

New research has found that there is an emerging group of people who may be risking the safety of others on the road by neglecting their vehicle.

Insurance company Axa discovered that 17 per cent of 17 to 29-year-olds are Stop Start Drivers, which means that they only rarely get behind the wheel after passing their test, allowing their skills to get rusty.

These drivers only get out on to the road once or twice a month at the most, in which time they may forget their Highway Code or lose confidence in their skills.

Sarah Vaughan, Motor Director for Axa, said: "We are currently working on a number of potential solutions for younger drivers and ultimately, we need to find ways that encourage them to drive safely for the sake of themselves and other road users."

The Co-operative Insurance recently launched a new initiative for young motorists, which allows them to benefit from discounts when they drive safely and offers feedback on their road skills.

Posted by Sarah Bailey