New research from Allianz Insurance shows that 57 per cent of us personally know a learner driver who regularly drives without a full-licenced driver in the car. The new poll, carried out by Allianz and RedC, is looking into Irish attitudes to learner drivers.
Gardai have the power to seize vehicles
34 per cent of learners admit to driving regularly without an accompanying fully-licenced driver, and the actual rate of offence is likely much higher than the admitted one. This is in spite of 2018 legislation that allows Gardai to seize a vehicle being driven by a lone provisional licence holder.
Most know someone else who drives unaccompanied
Of that 34 per cent, almost half said that they know another learner driver who drives unsupervised on a regular basis. On a statistical basis, according to the research, these people were primarily 35-54 years old from Munster, working full time, and from a more affluent social class.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, those surveyed who have either admitted to unaccompanied driving, or know someone who does so, are likely to be more in favour of a relaxation of regulations. Perhaps equally unsurprisingly, those aged 55 or over, and possessing a full licence, are more likely to be in favour of keeping the current restrictions in place.
Rural drivers in favour of relaxing rules
People from rural areas, as well as Connacht and Ulster residents tended to oppose any relaxation of the current rules. Interestingly, individuals from rural Ireland are more likely to agree that learner drivers should be accompanied in general or in urban areas. However, when it comes to rural areas specifically, compared to average they're slightly less likely to agree.
"Despite toughened legislation, it is concerning that we are seeing learner drivers willing to drive alone," said Sean McGrath, CEO, Allianz Ireland. "At Allianz, we understand that helping your child get on the road can be challenging and takes courage. To help, we have launched the Allianz Safe Driver App that helps new drivers adopt good driving behaviour, as we want all drivers to be safe on Irish roads. Driving unaccompanied on a learner's permit endangers lives and can result in serious penalties, so be smart. Arrive safe, drive carefully, and only drive alone when qualified."