A recent survey conducted by the AA of over 19,000 members has suggested that nearly one quarter of people did not know that it is illegal to use a mobile phone while supervising a learner driver. Almost one in ten people were also unaware that falling asleep was not allowed. The law states that when supervising a learner driver the person watching is in effect in control of the vehicle.
Recently one supervising driver was even sent to prison for two years after a learner he was supervising crashed causing the death of two people. Due to the increasing worry over learner driver supervision the AA have recommended that learners should have a set amount of professional lessons as well as sitting beside experienced non- professional drivers. When non professional drivers are supervising there is also the risk of the learner picking up their bad habits.
Shockingly the study also reported that some drivers were breaking the law by drinking, sending sms text messages and failing to wear glasses that they would wear if they were driving themselves.
Around 23% of people questions admitted that they were not aware that using a mobile phone while being in charge of a learner is against the law.
4% of people who responded to the survey admitted to breaking at least one of the laws. The figure rose to 22% for those aged between 21 and 24.
When supervising a learner driver you are actually deemed to be in control of the car yourself. Lots of people are unaware of the responsibilities that come with supervising a learner driver.
The charity Brake have also recommended that the minimum age for people to be allowed to accompany learner drivers should be raised to 25 rather than 21 as it is currently.
The responsibility of sitting with a learner is not something which should be underestimated.
More Information:
Traffic offences are often very serious, a
speeding solicitor can help with any mortoring offences.
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