Willson backs campaign to put road safety on the curriculum

Figures show one in five new drivers has an accident within six months of passing their test and road traffic accidents account for 25 per cent of the deaths of 15- to 19-year-olds in the UK, compared to just 0.5 per cent of the overall adult population.

Every year 400 people are killed in accidents involving young drivers.

The petition does not propose lowering the age at which people can take to the roads, but instead suggests youngsters should start to be taught about driving at school, via both practical and classroom-based lessons. Independent research undertaken on behalf of Pilot studies in Europe has also shown a 40 per cent reduction among novice driver groups who trained at school.

Mr Willson, who was recently elected to Stratford Town Trust, said: “Both my son, aged 16, and daughter, aged 11, have started having driving lessons with Young Driver.

“I think it’s vital, it’s a road safety revolution in the making. “If we could get this on the curriculum, so the opportunity was open to all, it would have huge ramifications in terms of the safety of our young people.

“And, as both a father and road user, that’s certainly something I want to back — 100,000 signatures could help save 400 precious lives every year.”

So far the petition has 4,290 signatures. To sign it, see petition.parliament.uk/petitions/104632