Young drivers - Punitive premiums unjustifiable

ANY decline in the fatality rate of young drivers deserves to be warmly applauded. But the fall evidenced by Garda figures is so dramatic that a pro-rata drop in insurance premiums could now be on the cards.

As a result of this trend, the Department of Transport is reviewing the effectiveness of existing policy measures on motor insurance costs. Consultants will study their impact on younger motorists with a view to recommending how insurance costs could be reduced.

Doubtless, the decline in fatal road accidents is largely due to random breath testing and a transformation of attitudes among young drivers and passengers.

There is an onus on insurance companies to respond positively to this welcome trend. Developments in the marketplace should mean significant reductions in the cost of motor insurance for young people. With fatalities falling, punitive premiums are no longer justified.