subject: Learner motorists driving unsupervised or without L-plates is on the increase [print this page] 16,000 learner drivers have been caught behind the wheel of a car without supervision or without displaying L-plates since new laws were introduced during 2008 banning learner drivers, including those who are on a second provisional licence, from driving a vehicle alone.
Road safety chiefs have appealed to parents asking them to stop novice motorists from driving on their own after it was revealed that 16,132 summonses had been issued to learner drivers since laws changed in July 2008.
8,413 learner drivers were issued with summonses for driving without a fully licensed driver present. A further 7,719 people were ordered before the courts for not displaying L-plates when driving. Being convicted of either offence could be punished with a 2,000 fine and/or a three-month prison term.
Noel Brett, chief of the Road Safety Authority said, "Drivers who are most at risk of killing or being killed on our roads are those who hold learner permits and those in their first three years after passing their test. It is not whether you have a licence; it has to do with experience and confidence. I am disappointed that the gardai would have summoned that many people. I appeal to parents to become more involved in teaching and supervising their young person's driving. They shouldn't tolerate a situation where cars are made available or insurance is made available."
A long awaited Graduated Licensing System is to be announced by the Road Safety Authority, which will include new rules about the minimum number of lessons a leaner must take.
Mr Brett believes that because of an inflated sense of their own confidence and invulnerability' amongst new drivers, changing the opinion of the parents was equally as important as trying to remove the irresponsible behaviour of some inexperienced drivers.
Families are happy to invest time and money into their children's hobbies and Mr Brett thinks they should do the same for driving lessons and accompany the learner drivers on the roads. Brett said, "It is the most inexperienced drivers who disproportionately feature in death and injury collisions not just in Ireland but internationally."
Learner motorists driving unsupervised or without L-plates is on the increase
