Car crash biggest concern of parents for their children, survey shows

Concern about car accidents was a bigger worry for parents than their child being unable to get a job, unable to reach their academic potential, or be on drugs, the poll by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) found. Car crash injuries were also more of a concern than children taking up smoking.

Based on responses by 498 adults with children aged 16 to 25, the survey showed that 62 per cent of parents claimed they were worried about their children being involved in a car accident.

A total of 59 per cent were worried that their child would be unable to get a job, and a third were concerned their child would not reach their potential at school or university.

Nearly a third of parents who took part in the study said they were worried about their child taking illegal drugs, while 27 per cent were concerned about their children taking up smoking.

The ABI’s head of motor, James Dalton, said: “Parents are right to be concerned for their children’s safety on the roads since car crashes are the single biggest cause of accidental death among 15 to 24-year-olds. The survey findings highlight the need for Government to introduce reforms to reduce the tragic loss of young lives. The Government Green Paper that was promised to look at tackling the problem has repeatedly been delayed.”

The ABI wants a one-year minimum learning period for drivers as well as a limit to the number of passengers allowed in a car with new young drivers for six months after passing their driving test. The ABI is also calling for zero tolerance on the drink-drive alcohol limit for newly-qualified young drivers.