Call for action to reduce young driver incidents

A recent survey of 8,110 young people by Brake and QBE Insurance has revealed that more than half (56%) fear for their lives at times when a passenger with a young driver, and most (57%) have been endangered by risk-taking peers speeding or drink driving. The vast majority also support a tougher regime for novice drivers: 82% are in favour of at least one type of licence restriction, such as a zero-tolerance alcohol limit and tougher penalties.

Young drivers are involved in a disproportionately high number of crashes that kill and injure road users of all ages. Young drivers (age 17-24) are involved in crashes that result in one in four road deaths and serious injuries (24%) – 17 deaths and serious injuries every day  – despite only making up one in eight (12%) licence holders.

Brake and young people whose lives have been devastated by young driver crashes are demanding action from government to tackle these needless casualties. They are highlighting evidence that ‘graduated driver licensing’, including a minimum learning to drive period, and restrictions for novice drivers, would prevent 200 deaths and thousands of injuries each year.

The survey also reveals widespread risk-taking among young drivers. Of those surveyed:

• 24% have been a passenger with a young driver who had been drinking or taken drugs,
• 54% have been a passenger with a young driver who broke speed limits by more than 10mph, and
• 21% don’t always belt up when a passenger with a young driver.