AIG Ireland has called for legislation to make tracking devices mandatory in cars for all drivers under the age of 25. They believe that by making telematics-based insurance necessary, many lives will be saved. The company has gained tremendous insight into Irish driving behaviour over the last four years since bringing telematics insurance products to the Irish market. These products offer motorists a combination of discounted premiums, real-time information and timely feedback on their driving to ultimately improve their driving behaviour and make Irish roads safer. Declan O’Rourke, General Manager of AIG Ireland said that on National Slow Down Day, drivers were still doing outrageous speeds on our roads. "Gardaí detected a total of 225 vehicles breaking the speed limit one of which was a motorist travelling at 177km/h in a 100km/h zone in Co. Donegal. “We are seeing exactly the same pattern and crucially, the technology now exists to identify these reckless and irresponsible drivers. "For example, at AIG we have recently cancelled young driver policies for driving at 193km/h on a motorway and 170km/h on a secondary road. Eradicating reckless driving will reduce the threat to drivers, passengers and the general public." On National Slow Down Day, Gardaí in cooperation with GoSafe checked the speed of 140,223 vehicles in total at locations throughout Ireland in a 24-hour period. “We feel telematics is a win-win, not just for road safety but also for our customers, many of whom are delighted with the cost savings and being rewarded for safe driving. “In addition, the Cost of Insurance Government Action Plan supports the use of technology to benefit consumers. AIG supports this recommendation and believes telematics is part of the answer to reduce costs for safe drivers and promote road safety."
AIG Ireland is pushing for legislation mandating drivers under 25-years-old make use of tracking devices in their vehicles. The Irish Transport Agency (ITA) has been lobbying the Government to introduce a mandatory requirement that all new cars sold after 1 January 2009 include an electronic device which would allow them to be tracked by roadside The firm says it has also used monitoring devices to cancel policies for young drivers found to be going at excessive speeds or demonstrating reckless driving behaviour.