Renault has launched a new safety initiative targeting young drivers as part of its "human first programme", which aims to increase the car brand's commitment to road safety.
The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics that 52 per cent of fatal accidents related to excessive speed involve individuals under 35 years of age.
Research found that road accidents remain the leading cause of death among young adults globally despite efforts by automakers.
As part of this initiative, Renault will be offering a "safety car" feature, which limits the maximum speed of Clio vehicles to 68mph. This speed limitation is particularly relevant as the Clio is a popular model among young drivers learning to drive.
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Under the new plans, Renault can reduce speed limits in Clio models to 68mph
RENAULT
The system works through a post-sale engine control unit configuration that restricts the vehicle's speed setting, cruise control, and speed limiter. Once activated, drivers can still use cruise control or the speed limiter but will be unable to exceed the 68mph threshold.
Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly has been appointed as the ambassador for Renault's safety initiative, bringing his professional expertise to the campaign.
Renault's initiative mirrors other road safety campaigns targeting young drivers, such as Devon and Cornwall Police's "Fatal Five" campaign launched earlier this month.
The police initiative focuses on the five most common causes of crashes: not wearing a seatbelt, impairment from drink or drugs, speeding, distraction, and careless driving.
Data from Devon and Cornwall Police suggests that younger drivers are particularly prone to speeding and distraction, including mobile phone use.
The campaign includes increased officer visibility, covert patrols and social media messaging specifically targeting young drivers.
But despite more work being undertaken to improve road safety for young drivers, Labour has ruled out the introduction of Graduated Driving Licences, which would have provided further restrictions for new drivers.
In a Parliamentary debate in January, Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood acknowledged that young drivers, especially men aged 17-24, continue to be among the highest-risk groups for road fatalities.
"While we are not considering graduated driving licences," Greenwood explained, "we fully acknowledge that young people are disproportionately affected by tragic accidents on our roads."
The Minister added that the Government is "committed to ensuring young people have access to employment, education, and other opportunities, while also keeping them safe on the roads."
Currently, newly qualified drivers in the UK are subject to a two-year probation period, regardless of age. This includes having their licence taken away if they exceed six penalty points.
RAC's head of policy, Simon Williams, responded to the Government's decision, saying: "Despite the Future of Roads Minister firmly ruling out graduated driver licensing in Tuesday's parliamentary debate on road safety for young drivers, it's clear the Government intends to take action to save lives."
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Young drivers are more likely to get into a road collision than any other age groupGETTYWilliams added that the RAC is "keen to find out what measures it believes will make the biggest difference, especially given so many young drivers are involved in collisions in their first year of driving".
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