In the spotlight today
Raising the Driving Age gets huge Public Support – 2007-10-18 22:28:51.527
Peter Dunne is delighted with the level of public support for the legislation he introduced into Parliament today seeking to raise the age of getting a driver's licence from 15 to 16.
Peter told Parliament that recent statistics showed young drivers were in particular danger on the roads shortly after they got their restricted
or solo-driver licences.
He said 18-19 year olds were 2 ½ times more likely to be involved in a crash one month after getting their restricted licence; 17 year olds were 4
½ times more likely; 16 year olds 8 times more likely and 15 year olds a whopping 10 times more likely.
Peter said he recognised young rural drivers were likely to face particular difficulties with the proposed legislation but he was sure this
could be sorted out during the select committee process.
He pointed out that recent polls showed more than 80% public support for raising the driving age.
The House voted to send the bill to select committee for public consideration with no dissent.