PSNI hope new GDL scheme will reduce road deaths in NI
There has been a decrease in the amount of fatal road traffic collisions in Northern Ireland.
To date, 51 lives have been claimed on our roads, down by 8 from the previous year.
And the amount of 16-24 year olds being killed in crashes has also decreased.
But one of the top policing officers says new regulations on young drivers will hopefully bring that number to zero.
Inspector Rosie Leech told us how the new Graduated Driving License Scheme aims to reduce that figure -
The main elements of GDL have already been consulted on and form part of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act (NI) 2016 - but there have been delays in fully implementing it.
The new proposals include:
Changes to legislation that would permit learners to drive on motorways providing they are accompanied by a suitably qualified Approved Instructor;
New post-test plating arrangements;
Exemptions from the mandatory minimum learning period for those entitled to claim Carer’s Allowance and for members of the Armed Services;
Changes to the practical driving test, for example, increasing independent driving including the use of a sat nav during the test; extending the hours during which driving tests can be conducted; and including a test candidate’s failure to demonstrate eco safe driving techniques as a possible reason for failing the driving test;
The content and structure of the programme of training and the logbook used to record training.
GDL is a package of measures being introduced with the aim of reducing the over representation of new - mainly young drivers - involved in fatal and serious road collisions and will apply to both drivers and motorcyclists.
Lucy was just 17 when she was severely injured during a crash in Co Armagh, and she told how it has impacted her life.
"The difference now is that I can't walk, I can't remember things, I just find everyday life a struggle just to get through the day normally.
"Before my accident I use to take part in showjumping Ireland, and my goal is to get back so I can ride my horse full time and get a job, and just live a normal life."
Lucy, who is now 20, never lost her fighting spirit, and is determined to get back walking again.
"My recovery journey has been hard, but I now go to a personal trainer who helps me once or twice a week, as well as doing things at home like standing up at the sink and doing the standing frame a few times a day."
"My goal is to get back walking, at the minute I'm just working on doing all the physio I can, and hopefully the memory will come with that."