New drivers, the rules

"Neopatentato" is, by law, anyone who has obtained a driving license (A2, A, B, B1) less than three years ago. For this category of drivers, particular restrictions apply regarding vehicle power, speed (no more than 100 km/h on motorways, 90 on extra-urban roads), and alcohol consumption (zero tolerance). Such stringent rules have a valid justification. According to European Commission data, the fatal accident rate among drivers aged 16-24 (the majority of new drivers) is double that of more experienced drivers. This is because individuals in this age group (especially males) tend to overestimate their abilities and underestimate the complexity of situations they face behind the wheel. New drivers are unable to adequately manage even simple activities like chatting with passengers; they have a reduced ability to assess risks and use peripheral information. To increase the safety of "novices," a Commission project dedicated to instructors aims to promote defensive driving, which teaches strategies and techniques to promptly recognize and "defuse" potentially risky situations. With its courses, our School also contributes to safety!