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A mother who tragically lost her son in a car accident has expressed disappointment with the government’s new road safety proposals, describing them as insufficient. Crystal Owen, whose 17-year-old son Harvey died in a crash in north Wales in 2023 involving a new driver, has been advocating for more stringent laws aimed at young drivers. She specifically calls for graduated licences that would impose graduated restrictions on newly qualified drivers.
The government has recommended several measures as part of its road safety strategy, including implementing a minimum learning period for learner drivers. This would require a gap of up to six months between passing the theory test and taking the practical driving test. While Owen sees this as a positive step, she believes the government is missing a critical chance to enhance safety further by not introducing restrictions on night driving or passenger limits for new drivers.
Owen has actively engaged with policymakers, pushing for tougher regulations on newly licensed drivers, including limits on how many passengers they can carry and curfews on driving at night. Her campaign has garnered support from groups like the AA, local MP Julia Buckley, and West Mercia police and crime commissioner John Campion. Owen is convinced that establishing a mandatory learning period alone could save numerous lives by ending expedited driving courses.
Edmund King, president of the AA, echoes some support for the government’s proposals but warns that the absence of graduated licences represents “a missed opportunity.” Citing evidence from countries such as Australia and Canada, King emphasizes that limiting the number of same-age passengers for six months significantly reduces risks. He acknowledges that while the increased learning period is helpful, it may not go far enough to tackle the issue comprehensively.
Owen stresses that the purpose of the proposed changes is not to penalize young drivers but to enhance their safety on the roads. She remains committed to campaigning for graduated licences and believes public opinion is shifting in favor of stronger restrictions. Meanwhile, the government aims to cut road deaths and serious injuries by two-thirds over the next ten years through a broader strategy that addresses speeding, drink and drug driving, seatbelt use, and mobile phone distractions.
With young drivers accounting for around 20% of fatalities and serious injuries from crashes in 2024, the Department for Transport plans to consult on introducing a minimum wait time of three to six months between theory and practical tests. This period is intended to allow learner drivers to gain more experience in various driving conditions before qualifying to drive independently, as part of a wider effort to improve road safety outcomes
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