S.I.M.U. concerned about young drivers

Press, 4 July 1983, Page 27

S.I.M.U. concerned about young drivers

Under 25 male drivers make the most insurance claims, according to the South Island Mutual Insurance Association. A major motor vehicle insurer in the South Island, 5.1.M.U., supports “Roadshow” because it is specifically aimed at young drivers. S.I.M.U. has found the frequency of claims is quite disproportionate below and above 25 years of age. In the 21-24 group, 19.69 per cent of those insured made claims during 1982, compared with 14 per cent of people over the age of 25. In the 25 and over age group, male and female drivers made about the same number of claims but far more males under the age of 25 made claims. S.I.M.U. says a 21-24-year-old male is 290 per cent more likely to lodge an accident claim than any other age group. During 1982, only 0.28 per cent of claims resulted from mechanical failure in vehicles. The remainder resulted from accidents which involved driving faults. High on the list of accident type were: following too closely, failing to give way at an intersection, and single-car accidents. If every driver stayed an adequate distance back from the vehicle in front, over 10 per cent of accident claims would be eliminated, dramatically reducing the over-all cost of insurance premiums to the motorist.

S.I.M.U. hopes “Roadshow” will have a strong influence on young drivers and bring home to them the responsibilities of driving a motor vehicle. The association also plays its part in promoting good driving among young

people. As well as providing and maintaining five cars for the AA’s secondary school driver education programme in Canterbury, it offers reduced excess limits for drivers under 25 who have been on the programme.