The vast majority of Irish people believe 16-year-olds are too young to drive, according to a new study.
A new survey from Peopl Insurance examines Irish people’s attitudes to a new EU plan to reduce the driving age to 16 – provided a speed limiting device set to a maximum of 45kph installed.
Almost eight-in-ten (77%) of respondents said 16 was too young to drive.
The survey was carried out amid an increase in deaths on Irish roads which has seen the Government considering a range of responses – including a reduction in speed limits.
Survey
While the majority of respondents to the survey said 16 was too young an age to drive and the EU plan could lead to an increase in road crashes – some 23% said reducing the age could offer young people more independence and experience.
People between the ages of 21-24 (31%) were most likely to back the idea.
Peopl CEO Paul Walsh described the proposal as controversial.
“The proposal has proved controversial and led to concerns that such a move would simply add to the dangers on Irish roads – as borne out by the results of our survey, which found that the majority of Irish people do not believe it would be safe to allow children aged 16 to drive,” he said.
Road deaths
Mr Walsh said he’s not surprised at the results while deaths on Irish roads are at their highest point in years.
“In a year when the number of fatalities on Irish roads is hitting record highs, when pedestrian road deaths in Ireland are estimated to be at their highest in 15 years,” he said.
“When more than twice as many children up to the age of 15 have been killed on Irish roads than was the case in 2022, it is understandable that there is such widespread disquiet about the new proposal.”
World Day of Remembrance
The latest findings come in the run-up to the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on November 19.
Events will be held all over Ireland to mark the occasion with President Michael D Higgins set to host a private reception at Áras an Uachtaráin on the day.
The proposal is part of a major revision of EU driving rules which is underway and is being discussed by the European Council and European Parliament.
Reporting from Robert Kindregan.
