Learner drivers should be kept in the dark

BSM is calling on the Government to ensure that learner drivers have experience of night time driving before they take their practical driving test.

The call came at the same time that MP David Kidney tabled a House of Commons question on the issue to transport secretary Alistair Darling.

Although only about 15 per cent of total vehicle miles are carried out between the hours of 7pm and 7am, about 30 per cent of reported injury accidents take place in that same period. The likelihood of being involved in an accident after dark is far greater for inexperienced young drivers than for any other age group.

While driver fatigue, drug or alcohol abuse and other lifestyle factors may play a part in adding to the number of night time accidents, BSM's road safety experts believe that young drivers' lack of experience plays a significant role - and that can be tackled in a practical way.

''Very few learner drivers consider the extra problems of driving at night before they take their driving test,'' said Keith Cameron, BSM road safety consultant. "While incorporating driving at night into the practical driving test itself is impractical, it would be relatively easy to impose a requirement on learners to undertake some after-dark training - certified by a professional instructor - before they are allowed to take the test.''

RoadSafe - a partnership of companies in the motor and transport industries, the Government and road safety professionals - is supportive of this proposal but also wants to see training for driving in wet conditions.

Further information is available at: www.roadsafe.com