Motorists face mandatory driving monitors under new plans as 'inexperienced' driver fatalities prompt action

Young drivers have been targeted in new road safety measures after figures revealed one in five motorists risk collisions within a year of passing their driving test. To help prevent crashes, the Chartered Insurance Institute has launched a new consultation into the use of telematics technology in vehicles.The move comes after the deaths of two teenagers, who were killed in a collision by a 17-year-old who was convicted of causing death by careless driving.A report by the Coroner's Office for Coventry and Warwickshire at the time urged the insurance industry to examine how it could help improve road safety for younger motorists, with the use of telematics insurance policies being highlighted. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say In December, the prevention of future death report called on the Department for Transport to address the issues of young drivers and warned that action needed to be taken.The report stated: The inquest noted that newly qualified drivers may carry multiple peer-age passengers immediately after passing their test. This case suggests that inexperience, peer presence and full vehicle loading can combine to elevate risk, and it is unclear how current licensing arrangements address these combined factors.Telematics, often known as black boxes, monitors driving behaviour including speed, braking and cornering, and are used by insurers to track how safely young drivers use the roads to determine pricing.Matthew Hill, chief executive of the CII Group, said: This tragedy reminds us of the risks faced by young drivers and the devastating consequences road collisions can have. We welcome the coroner's recognition of the role the CII can play in bringing together interested parties to contribute to improving road safety, and this consultation is an important step to understanding what more can be done. The consultation, which launched this week, will gather views from insurers, experts and public groups on whether telematics are being used effectively and how they could play a greater role in reducing road deaths. The organisation will also examine whether young drivers and parents fully understand how telematics policies work and the potential safety benefits they provide.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSUK celebrates landmark electric car milestone as millions of drivers prepare for EV switchBirmingham council fined nearly £500,000 for breaching its own Clean Air Zone rulesM5 fire: Drivers face road chaos as huge lorry blaze forces emergency resurfacing of busy motorwayMr Hill added: We will enlist support from our members, the wider sector and other stakeholders to make a demonstrable difference, and save lives. Concerns were also raised over differences in how telematics policies are applied across the insurance market and whether insurers clearly explain their purpose to customers. The institute said the review would explore how insurers currently use telematics to encourage safer driving and whether stronger professional standards are needed across the sector. Telematics policies have become increasingly common for younger drivers in recent years, with insurers offering lower premiums in return for monitored driving.In February, the Government unveiled the Road Safety Strategy, which includes plans to introduce a minimum learning period for learner drivers of six months before travelling on roads.A minimum learning period would give learners more time to develop their skills and gain experience in varied conditions, such as driving at night, in adverse weather, and in heavy traffic, the strategy detailed. Experts have warned that these changes fail to address the core issues, with tougher rules needed to protect young drivers, such as telematics and potential driving licence restrictions. Most recently, Scotland revealed plans to launch Graduated Driving Licences for newly qualified drivers, which would follow similar rules introduced in Northern Ireland. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter