WRITTEN QUESTION E-1065/00 by Helmuth Markov (GUE/NGL) to the Commission. Frequency of accidents among novice drivers.
20. 2. 2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 53 E/65 (2001/C 53 E/076) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1065/00 by Helmuth Markov (GUE/NGL) to the Commission Subject: Frequency of accidents among novice drivers (4 April 2000) It is a well-known fact, and statistics (at least in Germany) bear this out, that freshly qualified drivers are involved in a disproportionately high proportion of road accidents. In 1999 18 to 29 year-olds accounted for 26 % and 25 %, respectively, of all car occupants killed or injured in accidents (Source: Federal Statistics Office data for 1999). In view of the above, will the Commission say: 1. Do comparable statistics exist for the whole of the EU? 2. If so, what is the proportion of young drivers killed or injured in the EU as a whole? 3. Does the Commission see any need to take action in order to remedy this state of affairs or reverse this trend? 4. What measures could be taken at EU level in order to reduce the proportioned number of freshly qualified drivers involved in accidents? 5. Could it envisage limiting the maximum engine power for novice drivers to 50 h. p. as a possible measure (similar to the restriction on the c. c. size for young motorcycle drivers in Germany)? Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission (15 May 2000) 1. Equivalent data is available at Community level (although 1999 data has not yet been processed) using the CARE accident statistic database (Council Decision 93/704/EC of 30 November 1993 on the creation of a Community database on road accidents (1)). 2. For recent years the average number of young drivers (18-29) killed in road accidents in the other 14 Member States, as a proportion of vehicle occupants is 24 %. The number of young drivers (18-29) killed as a proportion of all car drivers killed in accidents is 38 %. 3. and 4. The Commission is concerned about road safety. In April 1997 it issued a communication on road safety (2) which proposed an action programme of measures for the period 1997-2001. The Commission has also adopted on 17 March 2000 a progress report (3) which gives a prioritisation, based on a cost effectiveness analysis, of measures to be undertaken during the remainder of the action programme. The priority measures identified are: EuroNCAP (vehicle crash testing); seat belts and child restraint use; alcohol use; speed limiters for light vehicles; black spot management; and safer car fronts for pedestrians and cyclists. In addition five more measures merit more research: medical standards for driving licences; testing for driving licences; daytime running lights; the effects of medicines on driver behaviour; and post accident care. Lastly three measures were identified as providing valuable support and back-up: the CARE database; an integrated information system; and research into vehicle standards and telematics. The Commission has no plans to suggest power or output limits for vehicles driven by young or 5. novice drivers. (1) OJ L 329, 30. 12. 1993. (2) COM(97) 131 final. (3) COM(2000) 125 final