19/04/2013 00:00
TW
0

THREE out of ten young drivers in the Balearics admit to drinking and driving.
The latest report published by the Racc Automóvil Club on the very day a 15-year-old died in a moped accident in Campos, also reveals that 46.6 percent of people aged between 15 and 29 in the Balearics have either driven drunk or travelled in a vehicle knowing that the driver was under the influence.

Eight percent admitted to driving when they go out and know they are going to consume alcohol.
The conclusion to the survey of the habits of young drivers has caused a great deal of concern because one of the principal causes of accidents involving young drivers is alcohol, followed by speeding.

In 2005, 1.530 people aged between 15 and 29 were involved in traffic accidents on the Balearic roads - 48 were killed, 3.1 percent of the Spanish road death toll, and 261 victims seriously injured.

1'200 escaped with minor injuries.
However, the Racc's concerns are not merely limited to three out of ten young drivers blatantly ignore the drinking and driving laws to put theirs and other peoples' lives at risk.

At the presentation of the report in Palma yesterday, Alfonso Perona said that many young drivers lack vital road sense and experience and that, mixed with alcohol, makes for lethal cocktail. “Four out of ten Balearic residents believe that passing one's driving test does not adequately prepare some one to drive,” Sainz said.
But what is the solution?
The Racc is going to recommend to the Spanish government that it introduces new traffic rules and regulations for new and young drivers, in particular a zero alcohol level.

A shake up of the motorcycle test is also going to be suggested along with a fresh and more determined effort ton persuade young people to use public transport or car-share systems when going out.

For example, the night bus in Palma has proved successful, but it still has not stopped three out of ten young Balearic car owners from drinking and driving.

However, the Racc has also identified one serious hurdle.
A severe lack of public transport in non metropolitan areas and that is the root cause for the high dependency on private transport in the Balearics.
Spain's royal automobile foundation yesterday praised last year's introduction of the licence points system but warned that the delay in drivers have their points automatically docked is getting longer and the longer the delay, the less of a deterent the process poses to drivers.