Government proposal to allow 17-year-olds to drive independently raises safety concerns in Denmark

The risk of accidents and fatalities is set to increase if 17-year-olds are allowed to drive without an accompanying adult, according to senior researcher Mette Møller from DTU, who specializes in traffic safety and driver behavior. Møller expresses concern over the government’s proposal to permit licensed 17-year-olds to drive independently, highlighting both biological and psychological factors. She notes that younger individuals generally struggle to understand the consequences of their actions, which poses a significant risk when operating a vehicle.

Research shows that young drivers are already overrepresented in accident statistics due to their lack of experience compared to older drivers. Karina Pedersen, deputy director of the Council for Traffic Safety, points out that the current accompanying driver system has been effective, allowing young drivers to practice safely with an experienced motorist until they turn 18.

The opposition party SF’s Karina Lorentzen describes the proposal as concerning, emphasizing the maturity issues that come with lowering the driving age. She is open to considering the proposal if the government can provide evidence on its impact on road safety.

Currently, 17-year-olds can obtain a driver’s license and drive with a companion who is over 30 and has held a valid license for over a decade. The government’s proposal stipulates that 17-year-olds may drive alone only between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM and that first-time offenders will face stricter penalties for driving under the influence.

Minister for Urban and Rural Development, Morten Dahlin, asserts confidence in the maturity of young drivers, indicating that the proposed limits on driving hours are designed to promote responsible use of this newfound freedom while ensuring safety.