Young drivers are known to be the most vulnerable on the road alongside cyclists and pedestrians.
Male drivers between the ages of 17 and 24 were four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured (KSI) compared with all car drivers ages 25 and over in 2024, according to the Department of Transport.
The age, gender, timing, behaviour of the driver, and distractions around them play a part in the possibility of an accident occurring.
Despite laws mandating the use of seatbelts being introduced in 1983, 17% of young drivers who were involved in KSI collisions were not wearing them.
James Gibson executive director at Road Safety GB, highlighted the times of the day accidents are likely to occur as well.
Gibson said: “There are peaks around rush hour around the busy times on our roads for young drivers.
“Some of the worst times can be late at night again, sometimes that’s within experience of night time driving and also things like tiredness and fatigue.
“We can get tired and lose control of a vehicle that way.”
There is a clear pattern that in the late hours of the day, danger is more prevalent for younger drivers behind the wheel.
Rebecca Morris, road safety and engagement specialist at Vision Zero Communications, said: “Young drivers face several key risk factors, including inexperience, carrying peer passengers, night-time driving and risky behaviours.
“Not spending enough hours practicing routes and rules, having distractions around you being your friend or your mobile phone interrupt your focus on the road.”
Road safety charity Brake has been actively campaigning for change to the licensing system to ensure younger drivers are more prepared and safe on the roads, this saves lives as well as income every year if implemented.
Countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand have already implemented graduated driving licences in an effort to save more lives.
This has reduced serious crashes involving new drivers by 20-40%, according to Protect Young Drivers
Featured image: Free to use from Unsplash
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