o Almost 3,000 under 25 yrs killed or
seriously injured
o 1 in 5 crash within 1 year of
passing test
o 38,800 deaths and injuries in
crashes involving drivers of less than 2 years’ experience
o 1 in 3 young male drivers crash
within 2 years of passing their test
o An 18 year old driver is more than 3
times more likely to crash than a 48 year old
In 2005
o 195 passengers and 88 pedestrians
killed in crashes involving 17 – 20 year old drivers or riders
o 148 passengers and 93 pedestrians
killed in crashes involving 21 – 25 year old drivers or riders
Lack of Experience
o
This is one of the main causes of accidents among
young drivers. As experience grows so the accident level falls.
o
Key Periods for Young Drivers
n
Before Starting to Drive
n
During the Learning Period
n
After the Test
Attitude
o
Young drivers, especially men, are over confident
and often make risky manoeuvres, including;
n
Driving to fast
n
Driving to close to the vehicle in front
n
Dangerous overtaking
o
Young drivers consistently rate their performance as
above average
o
Good driving is considered to be the ability to
handle the car at high speeds
Hazard Perception
o
Young drivers often have excellent vehicle control
skills and fast reactions.
o
But often poor at identifying potential hazards and
assessing risk. Young drivers tend to overestimate their abilities.
o
It takes new drivers up to 2 seconds longer to react
to hazardous situations than a more experienced driver.
Peer Pressure
o
Young drivers, especially men, who carry passengers
are more likely to have a crash
n
Showing off to friends
n
Encouraged by friends
n
Freedom of driving
Gender
o
Young male drivers have a higher accident rate than
their female counterparts
o
Also more likely to commit driving offences
o
A result of some of the factors outlined previously
Making Young Drivers Safe
o
The Pass plus Scheme helps young drivers to gain
increased experience of driving in different conditions. Taking this course can
also lead to decreases in insurance costs
o
Safe driving agreement. An agreement between the
young driver and parents that the family car can only be used if certain
conditions are met
Parents Influence After Test
o
New drivers often use parents’ car or parents help
finance new driver’s car
o
RoSPA survey – 25% new drivers subject to parental
restrictions.
o
53% of those not subject to restrictions would not
object to negotiating some with parents
Making Young Drivers Safe
o
Limit driving at night. The majority of young driver
accidents occur at night. Agree that the young driver cannot use the car at
night
o
Limit the number of passengers. Agree to only have
one or two passengers in the car until the driver has gained more experience
o
Ask the young driver to stick to a zero limit on
drink and drugs for the first year of driving. Ask them not to get a lift with
anyone who has been drinking or taken drugs
o
Discuss with the young driver the dangers of
speeding. Outline that different situations, such as icy roads, need a slower
speed
o
Discuss the danger of distractions such as using mobile
phones, load music and eating whilst driving to ensure they understand the
danger of being distracted
o
Stress the importance of passengers travelling
safely. Agree that the young driver can only carry passengers if they wear
seatbelts
Parents
- Help
parents set good example – refresher training
- Help
parents to help their children learn to drive – Training, Resources
- Help
parents influence young driver after test
When travelling with
your son or daughter, let them drive to increase their experience. Offer
constructive advice, but don’t be a back seat driver!
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