Parents put the Brakes on as New Drivers Take to the Road

LONDON, December 19 --

Confidence plummets as new drivers gear up to face first winter at the wheel

Panicked parents are set for sleepless nights as their children take to the roads for the first time this winter, according to new research released today.

With around 400,000(1) newly qualified drivers gearing up for their first winter on the road, nearly three quarters (71%) of parents admit they're more concerned about their child's safety behind the wheel than ever before, research from driver training specialists BSM reveals.

And BSM is now issuing an urgent call for caution to young drivers across the UK over the wintery Christmas and New Year period.

BSM's 'Winter Driving' study also reveals the extreme measures some parents go to stop their children risking their safety on dangerous winter roads:

- almost a quarter (22%) have made them change their plans in order not to drive

- one in five have forked out the cash for a cab for their offspring

- five per cent have hidden the car keys or immobilised the car to stop them driving.

Robin Cummins, BSM's road safety consultant said: "Facing new driving scenarios in the first 12 months of passing your test can be daunting at the best of times, but add to that

Christmas traffic and a prediction of the worst winter weather for a decade means everyday situations can become potentially life-threatening.

"Whilst we're calling for all drivers to be safe and sensible on the roads this winter, we urge young drivers, who may not be as experienced on wet and slippery roads, to take extra care and caution. Simple things like remembering stopping distances are greater in wet and frosty weather can make a huge difference."

Last December alone almost 17,000 road accidents occurred in the UK, with 2004 recording the highest number of road deaths amongst 16-29 year olds(2). And as confidence levels plummet as fast as the temperature, the biggest fears amongst new drivers and parents are:

- more than a third (35%) of 18-29 year olds admit they lack confidence in their ability to control a skid - and almost two-thirds of parents (64%) agreed

- just over a quarter (30%) doubted their skills to drive in bad weather

- more than a third (35%) of young drivers revealed they wouldn't know what to do if their car broke down.

To ease the pressures of going solo on the road, BSM offers a Pass Plus aftercare course for newly qualified drivers. Covering six specially-designed modules the course gives drivers the confidence and experience to handle any situation - from motorway driving to all weather conditions.

Newly qualified drivers wanting to advance their driving skills should contact their local BSM centre or log on to www.bsm.co.uk to find out more about Pass Plus - it could save their lives and a potential 20% off their car insurance.

And to help young drivers this winter, BSM is offering these top five Winter driving tips:

1. If your journey is not essential then do not make it. If driving in snow and ice is vital then plan ahead and use main roads which have more chance of being treated and cleared

2. Remember to always steer in the direction of the skid

3. In bad weather allow extra braking distance between you and the vehicle in front - stopping distances can increase tenfold in snow and icy conditions

4. Always carry emergency essentials in case of a break down, e.g. blankets, snow shovel, food, water and a charged mobile phone to call for assistance

5. In snow and icy conditions white lines at cross roads and junctions may be obliterated, so at all junctions take extra care and slow down early

Notes to Editors:

1) Based on pass rates from DSA

2) Accident statistics from DSA

RAC commissioned YouGov to conduct research amongst 400 parents of drivers aged 18-25 and 1,760 driving adults aged 18-25 adults across UK between 2 and 5 December 2005

About BSM

Founded in 1910, BSM is the UK's most experienced national driving school. Each year it teaches over 170,000 learners how to drive. It has over 100 BSM centres and 3,000 BSM instructors across the UK.

While BSM is best known for teaching learner drivers, it is also one of the largest providers of training for driving instructors. It is a founding member of ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructor Training) and plays an active role in lobbying the government on road safety and learner driver related issues. It is the largest driving training organisation of its kind in the world.

About RAC

With 7 million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations and the first choice provider for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information