Longer driving training for young people? The expert has an idea

Behaviors behind the wheel of people aged 18-24 are often motivated by the desire to impress others – Mikołaj Krupiński from the Institute of Motor Transport told PAP. He added that in limiting the number of accidents caused by young drivers would help extend the driving period.

The report of the Road Traffic Office of the Police Headquarters regarding road accidents in 2024 shows that people aged 18-24 are characterized by the highest indicator of the number of accidents per 10,000. population. Last year, these people caused 2945 accidents, which is 15 percent. all resulting from the fault of the drivers. In cases, the perpetrators of which were people from the so -called Young drivers, 271 people were killed and 3745 were injured.

The police data show that The cause of 34.3 percent accidents caused by this group of drivers was not adapting the speed to traffic conditions. According to the KGP Road Traffic Office, 60.1 percent testify to these accidents. killed.

Mikołaj Krupiński from the Institute of Motor Transport, referring to this data, assessed that “to limit the number of accidents caused by young drivers, it is necessary to implement system solutions that, for example, extend the driving period of driving.”

“I am talking about the proposal to introduce the possibility of starting a prior to the care of the accompanying person. In such a scenario, young people could gain experience in safe conditions for two years before formal obtaining a driving license,” he said.

Krupiński pointed out that such a model gives a chance to better prepare a young person for independent participation in road traffic. “The more that during a 30-hour driving course it is difficult to implement all road scenariosin addition in various and changing weather conditions, because usually the implementation of the driving license course falls for one time of year, “he noted.

According to him, the problem is that young people, e.g. at the age of 18, are still in puberty – both emotional and social.

“Their behavior behind the wheel is often impulsive, risky and motivated by the desire to impress other, most often peers,” he noted.

He added that with a reduction in the age of people who can apply for a driving license document, it is also worth investing in better preparation of candidates for the role of a driver, by extending the driving lessons and introducing restrictions for beginner drivers. “Long -term, such activities can limit the accident and improve road safety,” he assessed.

The KGP report shows that in 2024 the number of accidents caused by the so -called Young drivers increased by 1.6 percent, with a decrease in the number of killed by 1.5 percent. and increased wounded by 2.2 percent According to police data, people aged 18-24 – as in previous years – are also a group with the highest indicator killed at 1 million population (86.9) and wounded (1243.9).

In 2024 there were 21,519 road accidents, in which 1896 people were killed and 24,782 were injured.

Marcin Chomiuk (PAP)

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