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.