FarmChat Article - Raise driving standards and not the age

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Raise driving standards and not the age

02 Mar 2010

Opposition to the Government’s plan to raise the minimum driving age by one year to 16 is totally justified. Federated Farmers along with the Automobile Association (AA) and even the youth arm of the CTU are all urging the Government to think again.

“Raising the driving age won’t lower the road toll,” warns Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers transport spokesperson.

“More time behind the wheel and improved training is the key.

“It’s not just Federated Farmers but experts like the AA and those who work with young drivers who all believe that much better training is needed.

“Lifting the eligible driver licensing age will put young rural adults at a considerable disadvantage when it comes to work, socialising and community activities.

“This may work in Kelburn but not Kerikeri. Public transport is almost non-existent in rural areas where driving isn’t just a rite of passage, it’s an essential part of life.

“And don’t forget that many of these young people begin driving farm equipment under adult supervision from a young age.

“The Government would be better looking at extending the restricted licence period and other training options, instead of just lifting the minimum age for driver licensing.

“The statistics all show that accidents spike when people get their full licence. Without better training raising the age just pushes the problem one year on,” Mr Aubrey concluded.