Young Drivers

Presented by

Young Drivers• Almost 3,000 under 25 yrs killed or seriously

injured

• 1 in 5 crash within 1 year of passing test

• 38,800 deaths and injuries in crashes involving drivers of less than 2 years experience

• 1 in 3 young male drivers crash within 2 years of passing their test

• An 18 year old driver is more than 3 times more likely to crash than a 48 year old

Young DriversIn 2005• 195 passengers and 88 pedestrians killed in

crashes involving 17 – 20 year old drivers or riders

• 148 passengers and 93 pedestrians killed in crashes involving 21 – 25 year old drivers or riders

Why Young Drivers?

• Age• Lack of Experience• Over Confidence• Poor Hazard Perception• Speed• Peer Group Pressure• Parental Influence

Lack of Experience

• This is one of the main causes of accidents among young drivers. As experience grows so the accident level falls.

• Key Periods for Young Drivers– Before Starting to Drive– During the Learning Period– After the Test

Before Starting to Drive• Parents provide almost 2 decades of informal

driving lessons

• Driving habits of parents influence driving behaviour of their children when they become drivers

• Refresher training - child starting to learn to drive is perfect time for parent to take refresher training

• Read the Highway Code

The Learning PeriodMaximise amount, type & quality of driving

• Professional Lessons +• Private Practice

• Around 2/3 of learners take private practice• Both ADI & Parents have crucial roles

After the TestRisk skyrockets after test – driving experience

(hours

behind the wheel) gradually reduces risk

• Pass Plus

• Parent/Driver Agreements

• Peer Groups, e.g, BRAG

Attitude

• Young drivers, especially men, are over confident and often make risky manoeuvres, including;– Driving to fast– Driving to close to the vehicle in front– Dangerous overtaking

• Young drivers consistently rate their performance as above average

• Good driving is considered to be the ability to handle the car at high speeds

Hazard Perception

• Young drivers often have excellent vehicle control skills and fast reactions.

• But often poor at identifying potential hazards and assessing risk. Young drivers tend to overestimate their abilities.

• It takes new drivers up to 2 seconds longer to react to hazardous situations than a more experienced driver.

Peer Pressure

• Young drivers, especially men, who carry passengers are more likely to have a crash– Showing off to friends– Encouraged by friends– Freedom of driving

Gender

• Young male drivers have a higher accident rate than their female counterparts

• Also more likely to commit driving offences

• A result of some of the factors outlined previously

Penalty Points

• Young drivers are allowed fewer penalty points– If they receive 6 points within 2 years of their

first test their licence is revoked

• They must go through the entire learning to drive process again if this happens

Making Young Drivers Safe

• 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

• 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

• New drivers often use parents’ car or parents help finance new driver’s car

• RoSPA survey – 25% new drivers subject to

parental restrictions.

• 53% of those not subject to restrictions would not

object to negotiating some with parents

• Parent/Teen Contracts popular in USA

Making Young Drivers Safe

• Limit driving at night. The majority of young driver accidents occur at night. Agree that the young driver cannot use the car at night

• Limit the number of passengers. Agree to only have one or two passengers in the car until the driver has gained more experience

Making Young Drivers Safe

• 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

• Discuss with the young driver the dangers of speeding. Outline that different situations, such as icy roads, need a slower speed

Making Young Drivers Safe

• 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

• Stress the importance of passengers travelling safely. Agree that the young driver can only carry passengers if they wear seatbelts

Making Young Drivers Safe

• Agree to use green “P” plates to make other drivers aware there is an inexperienced driver at the wheel.

HELP PARENTS TO HELP LEARNERS

• DSA Guide• www.helpingLdrivers.com

• Practical Training

PARENTS

1. Help parents set good example – refresher training

2. Help parents to help their children learn to drive – Training; Resources

3. Help parents influence young driver after test

Conclusion

• Most vulnerable group of drivers. Lack experience, attitude issues, poor hazard perception, peer pressure and gender issues

• Help young drivers by Pass Plus, make a safe driving agreement. Can also limit driving at night and number of passengers. Enforce a zero drink limit, discuss dangers and use “P” plates

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!