A team of motoring experts have called for first-aid training to be made mandatory for drivers in the UK.

The call comes amid new research that found only 5% of the public would feel confident or willing to help someone with a medical issue.

This is despite the fact that it would increase the chances of survival after a road accident. 

As a result, the experts at LeaseCar.uk are calling for the government to make first aid training compulsory when getting a driver's licence. 

The news comes after the latest report on road collisions in Great Britain which estimates 29,795 people were killed or seriously injured in 2022. 

The research has also found that up to 59% of deaths from injury may have been prevented if first aid had been given before medical emergency services arrived.

That being said, the Red Cross has reported that just one in 20 adults in the UK know what to do in a first aid emergency.

On top of this, only 5% of the public said they would feel confident, knowledgeable and willing to help someone with a medical issue. 

First aid courses can help give people the skills to treat casualties with life-threatening injuries and improve their chances of survival, LeaseCar.uk argues.

The motoring pros added that if first aid training was made mandatory, drivers would be equipped with a wide range of knowledge which extends from how to treat burns and wounds to giving CPR and shock. 

First aid training is already compulsory for motorists in other countries like Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovenia. 

Many learner drivers in Europe also must show first-aid knowledge for their theory tests.

For instance, to get a driver's licence in Switzerland, motorists must attend an obligatory 10-hour first aid course.

The course is split into different modules and is followed by a practical assessment and written test. 

The Driving Licence (Mandatory First Aid Training) Bill was unveiled in the House of Commons in 2016 which would require all driving licence applicants to have had first aid training before undertaking a practical driving test.

However, LeaseCar.uk argues that there has been no progress or updates since. 

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “We believe that first aid training should be a requirement before getting behind the wheel to reduce deaths and help those with injuries on UK roads.

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“It is extremely concerning that just five per cent of the public would be willing to help someone bleeding heavily, unresponsive or not breathing.

“First aid can be crucial when responding to a car accident and the correct knowledge and skills can help save lives while waiting for ambulances.

“Whether the first aid training covers the basics or advanced emergencies, the skills learnt in courses can drastically improve the chance of survival. 

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“The UK should be following in the footsteps of other countries who have made first aid training mandatory to give the necessary help to drivers if they get into an accident. 

“It is disappointing that nothing came from the Mandatory First Aid Training Bill seven years ago, especially since over half of deaths from injury could be prevented with the first aid right training.

“That’s why we’re urging the government to seriously reconsider introducing first aid training for drivers to help anyone who experiences a road accident.”

What do you think? Should first aid training be made mandatory for drivers in the UK? Let us know in the comments.