In the UK, 1 in 2 learner drivers pass their test on their first attempt, and 1 in 5 crash their vehicle within a year of passing their test.  The majority of new drivers are young people who are often keen to pass their driving test and gain further independence as early as possible following their 17^th birthday.   Sadly though, young male car drivers aged between 17 and 24 are 4 times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with car drivers aged 25 and over.

Why are young drivers more at risk?

A combination of age and inexperience puts young drivers more at risk.  They are less likely to spot hazards due to their inexperience, and young drivers may be overconfident in their ability to drive, leading to overtaking when unsafe to do so, speeding, tailgating, harsh braking, and racing. 

New drivers need to balance their attention between the practicalities of driving a car – such as steering, changing gears, turning on lights and windscreen wipers, with the cognitive demands of driving such as hazard perception.  For inexperienced drivers, the practical tasks will require much more concentration than required by an experienced driver where things become second nature, and so they react slower to hazards.

External factors

A number of external factors are also thought to contribute to the manner in which young people drive:

Failure to wear a seat belt – research also reveals that young drivers and their passengers are the age group least likely to wear their seat belt and this likelihood increases when friends of a similar age are passengers in the car.

Passengers – a newly qualified young driver with a car full of passengers of similar age is four times more likely to be in a fatal crash, compared to when driving alone.  Conversely, young drivers with older adult passengers are less likely to crash.  It seems likely therefore that peer pressure leads to an element of showing off and taking risks, as opposed to simply the presence of passengers in the car.

Driving at night – young drivers are at a higher risk of crashing during the evening and early mornings.  This is often a time when they may be driving for recreational purposes, with similar aged passengers, and may be tired after working or learning all day.

Drink and drugs – drivers in their 20s have the highest self-reported rate of driving when over the drink drive limit, or under the influence of illegal drugs.

Distractions from mobile phones – research by the RAC reveals that around half of young people aged 17-24 admit to using their mobile phone whilst driving.

What can be done?

Insurance for young drivers is expensive to reflect the risk factors.  Many insurers offer black box telematics policies for young drivers which monitor speed, driving style and braking.  Some also impose curfews on young drivers when they should not drive, such as late at night.  Discounts on insurance can be earned by demonstrating safe driving skills, and some black boxes may allow parents to also monitor their children’s driving behaviour.

Penalty points

The law is much harsher on new drivers and if a new driver receives 6 or more points within 2 years of passing their driving test, their licence will be cancelled, and they will have to pass both their theory and practical driving tests again in order to re-obtain a full licence.

What to do if a crash occurs

Unfortunately, collisions do occur and young drivers, and their passengers, sustain injuries.  If you or a member of your family suffers significant injury in a collision, its important to speak to specialist serious injury solicitors as early as possible, as access to early rehabilitation may be a possibility as part of any claim.

It is a common misconception that if you are a passenger in a car, and the driver of that car is the at fault party, you will not be able to claim compensation, but this is not the case and you can bring a claim against the drivers insurance, even if the driver is a family member.

If the injured party is under the age of 18, they have until their 21^st birthday to bring a claim.  Until such time as their reach 18, any claim will need to be dealt with on their behalf by a litigation friend, who is often a parent, guardian, or close family member.

For anyone injured in a road traffic collision who is over 18 at the time of the collision, a 3-year time limit applies within which time they must commence a claim if they intend to do so.

How Major Trauma Group can help

Major Trauma Group is a community interest not for profit organisation who specialise in representing individuals who have suffered serious injury.  We focus on obtaining access to early rehabilitation and taking a holistic approach to ensure the best possible outcome.

If you would like a free, no obligation, chat with a specialist lawyer, you can contact us by email hello@majortraumagroup.co.uk or telephone 0330 311 2578, and we can arrange a call back or visit from a specialist lawyer at a time convenient for you.