Young drivers need to be better educated on the "dreadful consequences" they could face through driving without insurance, a leading industry body has said.
Susan Beck, head of communications at the Motor Insurers' Bureau, says that young drivers need to understand that "insurance is there to protect them, as well as to protect other road users" - and claims that people in positions of authority - such as driving instructors - need to educate their young subjects on the dangers of taking to the road while uninsured.
"There is no denying that young people probably see insurance as a big expense when they first learn to drive. But responsible families need to encourage their teenagers to budget with this in mind when they get their first car," Ms Beck said.
"There is also an opportunity here for those who have what I would refer to as a 'close up' relationship with new drivers - such as driving instructors, the driving standards agency, and even schools through the provision of road safety education - to really engage with the drivers of tomorrow and try to change attitudes and behaviours so that they better understand the need for insurance and the dreadful consequences if they drive without insurance."