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

LONDON, 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.