Car insurance news
Lapsed drivers a risk to cheap car insurance
Recent research by motor insurance firm Zurich has revealed that out-of-practice motorists are causing havoc on Britain's roads.
According to the latest information, almost a third of motorists have taken an extended break from driving and then returned behind the wheel, in doing so, causing an estimated 335,000 road accidents. In addition to destroying the chance of cheap car insurance premiums, these accidents are costing motorists dear, with each one resulting in an average of £652 of repairs being needed.
In an attempt to reduce the dangers that these motorists represent, 62% of UK licence holders are in favour of introducing a driving test, which would be compulsory before out-of-practice drivers are allowed to return to the road. A further 87% told the car insurance company's researchers that refresher lessons should be compulsory for anyone who hasn't driven for more than a year.
A spokeswoman from Zurich Motor Insurance said, "It seems that the British public would like to see a new law enforced- one that re-tests motorists whose driving skills may have deteriorated due to their absence from the roads, as they are not only costing drivers money, but also potentially posing a significant danger to themselves and others.
"We're supportive of measures that result in making our roads a safer place, and one suggestion is to incorporate a refresher test in to the Road Safety Bill. This could positively address and change the issue of the dangers posed by lapsed drivers."