Serious proposals being drafted to tackle road safety
Any car owner that allows their learner driver to drive the car unaccompanied will face prosecution. For the first time, car owners could face penalties of €2000 and six months in prison. In 2016, 11 unaccompanied young drivers lost their lives on irish roads.
The minister for transport is seeking to give the Gardai power to size the vehicle on the spot but the proposal needs approval of the Attorney General according to the Irish Independent. The proposal has been called the ‘Clancy Amendment’ in recognition of the road safety campaign by Mr. Noel Clancy. Noel tragically lost his wife and daughter three days before Christmas in 2015 due to a collision with a learner driver.
Scenario
Let’s say the law is passed and a couple have insured their daughter who is a learner driving the car. She drives the car unaccompanied to her part-time job and she is involved in a road accident. The insurance company abide by the law and they refuse to pay a claim for their client who has broken the law. The cost of this accident needs to be paid by somebody and this means that the parents could potentially be sued. Their family home and their assets are up for grabs. This is a life changing event and the law will show no mercy.
If you are a learner driver, please endeavour to complete your lessons and book your test.
image source: rte.ie