New drivers are ‘missing vital signs’
THOUSANDS of new drivers could miss vital signs to take extra care because the current perception test is out of date and needs modernising, according to a survey just out.
The current test contains hazards such as cyclists, cars turning ahead and horse riders, but new drivers told LV= insurance that a number of ‘modern’ risks weren’t included.
For example, the most common ‘modern’ hazards include potholes (reported by 41 per cent of new drivers), pedestrians on mobile phones (reported by 33 per cent), children on scooters (reported by 21 per cent) and even vape clouds from vehicle windows (reported by 11 per cent).
One in six new drivers say they find it difficult to spot these ‘modern’ hazards.
And nearly half of new drivers say the hazard perception test didn’t prepare them for life on the road, and a further 57 per cent said they don’t believe other new drivers are prepared to deal with the driving hazards they face.
The hazard perception test was introduced in 2002, and since then the hazard content has not been updated.
Yet more than half of all drivers say that hazards on our roads have changed and there are now more of them than when they started driving.
As a result of these findings, LV= is calling on the Government to update the hazard perception test so that newly qualified drivers are better prepared for today’s roads.
Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, said: “In recent years more accidents have occurred due to ‘modern’ driving hazards. For example, year-on-year we have seen an increase in the number of incidents due to potholes.
“Our advice to new drivers is to expect the unexpected.
“That’s why we are supporting LV’S call to make sure the hazard perception test is kept relevant so it better prepares new drivers for the hazards they’ll face.”