Restrictions for inexperienced drivers would make Britain’s roads safer

SIR – John Skipper (Letters, January 2) draws our attention to restrictions in some European countries, where young drivers are limited to carrying passengers over the age of 21 for the first year after passing their test. How I wish that was the law in Britain.

Many years ago, my 17-year-old son was tragically killed as a result of reckless driving by his best friend of a similar age. Not only have his three brothers lived with great sadness, but the young driver has also had to bear the consequences of his actions.

When I hear of deaths in accidents involving young, inexperienced drivers, I grieve for those involved. In our case the driver of the lorry, who met the speeding car on a bend, was unable to avoid a head-on collision, and never worked again.

So many lives were affected. Please, let us put the necessary laws in place to prevent these tragedies from happening over and over again. Ann Hooton

Saltash, Cornwall

SIR – Most older drivers (Letters, January 2) are competent, having years of experience. But sometimes their reactions are slower. A “P” driving plate alerts road users to an inexperienced driver. Could we not have a senior, “S” driving plate? Most older drivers would love cars to give them a little more space and respect. Suki Fane

Shaftesbury, Dorset

SIR – My daughter passed her driving test at the age of 17. The only way I could afford her insurance was through an insurer who put a “black box” in her car, which monitored her driving. I paid a substantial premium up front and then, if my daughter drove perfectly, I’d get a quarterly rebate. She achieved this, so I was given the full rebate and was content.

Then my car was stolen and I had to borrow my daughter’s. Within a week I received an email implying that my daughter had started driving like a maniac, accelerating too fast and braking too hard, and that unless she desisted immediately the firm would withdraw the insurance.

Therefore, I endured long tailbacks of cars behind me, as I had to drive perfectly 35 years after passing my driving test. It was exhausting. Jonathan Yardley

Wolverhampton

SIR – A nonagenarian relative had his first road accident last year – a minor collision – after 70 years of driving. His car insurance premium with Axa was set to increase from £496 to more than £3,000 as a consequence. Thank goodness for comparison websites and a more affordable premium. Penelope Upton

Lighthorne, Warwickshire

SIR – I’m 87 and rely on my car. I would happily take a driving test, but, given the delays for new drivers, I might easily be 90 before I get one. Richard Statham

Basingstoke, Hampshire