ABI: Better safety key for cheaper car insurance

Posted :14-07-2005

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has launched a campaign to reduce accidents involving teenagers on Britain's roads.

According to recent government figures, while the total number of deaths on the UK's roads dropped by eight per cent last year, deaths of 16 to 19-year-old passengers and drivers rose.

Stephen Haddrill, Director General of the ABI, said: "Reducing accidents involving young drivers should be the number one road safety priority for Britain.

"Research carried out by the insurance industry shows that teenage drivers are ten times more likely to be killed or seriously injured while driving than motorists in their 40s."

Mr Haddrill added that improved safety could also help the industry to drive down car insurance costs for young people, who are seen as one of the highest risk groups of insurers.

"Effective action now will save life and enable us to get the costs of driving and insurance down for young people," he said.

The ABI has produced a publication, entitled "Young Drivers: Road Safety and the Cost of Motoring", highlighting ten ways in which young drivers could improve their safety on the roads.

In 2003, 17 to18-year-old males were over twice as likely to make a claim on their car insurance to 30 to 59-year-old men, according to the ABI.

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