Skip to main content

Young Driver scheme improving road safety

The Co-operative Insurance company in the UK says that new data shows that the introduction of telematics technology is leading to better driving behaviour from Britain's young road users. Intelligence gathered from the company’s 'smartbox' scheme shows that 35% are consistently showing 'excellent' driving while less than 5% demonstrate 'poor' driving habits. The Young Driver scheme, launched just over a year ago, measures driving behaviours including speed, braking and cornering. It then scores these from
June 25, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Data from the Young Driver 'smartbox' shows that 82% of 17 to 25 year-olds achieved the top score for sticking to speed limits, although only 13% scored top marks for braking and accelerating.
The 6010 Co-operative Insurance company in the UK says that new data shows that the introduction of 1681 Telematics Technology is leading to better driving behaviour from Britain's young road users. Intelligence gathered from the company’s 'smartbox' scheme shows that 35% are consistently showing 'excellent' driving while less than 5% demonstrate 'poor' driving habits.

The Young Driver scheme, launched just over a year ago, measures driving behaviours including speed, braking and cornering. It then scores these from one (poor) to five (excellent) and rewards discounts on insurance premiums to those who score consistently well.

David Neave, director of general insurance for The Co-operative, said: “The data shows that the vast majority of our customers are responding well to a ‘carrot’ rather than ‘stick’ approach, improving their driving skills because they are rewarded for doing so. Our scheme is only in its infancy, but it is clear that if telematics was taken up on a larger scale it could be a major step forward in improving road safety.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Growing use of safety technologies in new vehicles appeals to drivers
    July 23, 2015
    The safety-related technologies that manufacturers are increasingly equipping their new vehicles with are making those vehicles more appealing to their owners, according to the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. The APEAL Study, now in its 20th year, is the industry benchmark for new-vehicle appeal, examining how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive. Owners evaluate their vehicle across 77 attributes, which combine into an overall APEAL Index score th
  • Stepped speed limits improve workzone congestion and safety
    January 30, 2012
    Traffic flow has been improved, congestion eased and safety increased - by a system of 'stepped speed limits' introduced to UK roadworks. URS Scott Wilson principal consultant Jamie Uff reports
  • Commercial vehicle cross-border enforcement needs muscle
    February 3, 2012
    A look at the current status of cross-border enforcement of commercial vehicle operation in the European Union and a look at what still needs to happen to realise a coherent working system
  • Nearly 54,000 UK learner drivers rack up penalty points
    June 26, 2014
    New research from insurance price comparison website Confused.com has found that there are currently nearly 54,000 learner drivers in the UK who have penalty points on their provisional licence. The findings, obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, reveal that learner drivers are racking up penalty points for motoring offences before officially passing their driving test. According to official figures 53,988 provisional licence holders have valid penalty points on their licence, meaning