Fatal accidents involving young drivers have fallen in numbers dramatically over the past four years according to a new study by a leading road safety charity.
New analysis by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) shows the number of drivers aged between 17 and 24 killed in accidents fell by 10 per cent in the period since 2010, while the number of 17 to 24-year-old passengers killed in a car driven by someone in the same age bracket decreased by 24 per cent. IAM suggest that a combination of general improvements in road safety, fewer young people passing the driving test, ongoing safety campaigns, and fewer young drivers as a result of the recession are the causes.
However, new drivers remain the most likely to cause passenger deaths than any other age group, and new drivers and their passengers suffer more life-changing injuries too. IAM point to a US study which showed young drivers increase their chances of being killed in a road accident with every additional passenger they carry. The study revealed a young driver with one passenger increased their chances of a fatal accident by 44 per cent, rising to 90 per cent with two passengers, and a whopping 300 per cent with three or more passengers .
IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Road safety has been improving for everyone in the UK in recent years and that is reflected in the improved situation for new drivers. But, it’s worrying that our younger people are still at such high risk of causing death and injury to themselves."
IAM offers the following tips for young drivers and their passengers:
- More passengers equals more risk so don't overload the car as it will handle differently and the driver may not know how to deal with that
- Don’t distract the driver by trying to show him or her stuff on your phone
- Don’t give in to peer pressure – if others are being stupid don’t get involved
- Never get in a car with a young driver (or any driver) who has been drinking
- Agree with parents you can call them up or they will pay for a taxi if you have worries about your lift
- Risk is highest at night and on country roads - make sure your mate knows where they are going and has put in the hours learning how to cope with a wide variety of roads
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