An intense debate has arisen regarding the Danish government’s proposal to allow 17-year-olds to drive alone. Traffic researcher Mette Møller from the Technical University of Denmark (Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, DTU) has expressed significant criticism and concern about the prospect of solo driving for this young age group. She points out that international research clearly shows that younger drivers are at a higher risk of accidents.
Currently, 17-year-olds are allowed to drive, but only with an experienced supervisor who is at least 30 years old and has held a driver’s license for ten years. Mette Møller believes that the current arrangement provides young people with valuable experience and skill under safe conditions. She argues that biological factors, such as brain development, play a crucial role in young individuals’ ability to evaluate the consequences of their actions in traffic.
The Road Safety Council (Rådet for Sikker Trafik) shares these concerns. They have warned that allowing 17-year-olds to drive solo could lead to an increase in accidents, a trend that was observed when the age limit for riding mopeds was lowered.
However, the Minister for Rural Affairs, Morten Dahlin from the Liberal Party (Venstre, V), is confident that young people will be able to handle the new freedoms, particularly with stricter penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol. He acknowledges that more kilometers driven can lead to more accidents, but believes that a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol for the first three years after obtaining a driver’s license will be a significant safety measure.
If the proposal is adopted, Denmark would distinguish itself from many of its neighboring countries; however, the Ministry of Transport notes that countries such as the United Kingdom and Austria already allow 17-year-olds to drive without supervision. The government hopes this proposal will enhance mobility, especially in rural areas where public transport options are often limited.