Young Drivers

1. Young Drivers Presented by

2. 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

3. Young Drivers In 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

4. Why Young Drivers? • Age • Lack of Experience • Over Confidence • Poor Hazard Perception • Speed • Peer Group Pressure • Parental Influence

5. 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

6. 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

7. The Learning Period Maximise amount, type & quality of driving • Professional Lessons + • Private Practice • Around 2/3 of learners take private practice • Both ADI & Parents have crucial roles

8. After the Test Risk skyrockets after test – driving experience (hours behind the wheel) gradually reduces risk • Pass Plus • Parent/Driver Agreements • Peer Groups, e.g, BRAG

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. HELP PARENTS TO HELP LEARNERS • DSA Guide • www.helpingLdrivers.com • Practical Training

21. PARENTS • Help parents set good example – refresher training • Help parents to help their children learn to drive – Training; Resources • Help parents influence young driver after test

22. 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

23. 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!