According to an independent analysis of young driver risks, rural roads were found to be 37% more hazardous than those in urban areas for younger motorists.
The analysis compared figures from local authorities across the UK to determine where casualties and collisions were more likely to be experienced.
According to the findings, rural drivers are 37% more likely to be involved in a collision and suffer an injury than those driving in urbanised landscapes.
Considering that the younger generation are already considered most at risk behind the wheel – accounting for one eighth of total drivers on British roads as well as one quarter of all traffic fatalities – this news could put them at even greater risk.
Driving habits
Numerous reasons are thought to have contributed to this discrepancy between figures, with driving habits one of the suggested causes.
According to the data, the elevated risk is partially caused by the larger mileage driven by those in rural areas. These motorists are said to drive 31% more miles than those in urban areas, meaning they are on the roads more and are, therefore, at greater risk.
The inexperience that they have on British roads is also thought to contribute to the risk and is expected to prompt local authorities to take action to protect their residents and their roads.
The Director of Road Safety Analysis, Dan Campsall, commented that this information could help “Local Authorities [to] develop a much better understanding of the risks experienced by their residents and road users, helping them to address [these].”
Campsall also commented that there needed to be a “package of measures developed [to] bring about a change” in the current situation.
Road safety is being positioned as a prime concern for the British motor industry, with local authorities now expected to implement measures which will increase the safety of their residents.
Both education and experience are thought to be needed to help these high risk drivers, giving them the skills needed to handle the difficult driving conditions they might face.
