Young drivers are at risk on our roads
Drivers aged between 17 and 25 are more likely to be in a collision.
The best way to start driving is safely
Young drivers, particularly men aged 17 to 25, are often overconfident and prone to risky behaviours like speeding, tailgating and dangerous overtaking.
As a result, they are more likely to be involved in collisions, especially within the first year after passing their test, and are often at fault.
Young drivers drink driving campaign
Driving under the influence of alcohol can destroy lives – including yours, your family’s, and others’. Even after a few hours’ sleep, you could still be over the limit. Don’t risk it.
Your Gran won’t be pleased if you drive drunk – you might end up out in the cold.
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1 in 5 new drivers will be in a collision within a year
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The penalties for young drivers are tough
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Inexperience and a risky attitude are part of the problem
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Advanced training can really improve skills
Key information
What's causing the increase in collisions?
Inexperience
Inexperienced driving is a key reason young people crash on Scotland’s roads, often when driving with friends, at night, or on rural roads.
Risky attitude can lead to overconfidence
Risky attitude leads to overconfidence, with peer pressure increasing poor judgment, such as speeding or overtaking on country roads.
Underdeveloped skills
Young drivers may have quick reactions, but skills like hazard perception develop with experience. Recognising hazards in time to react requires practice.
A lack of awareness
Young drivers often have less visual awareness, such as checking mirrors less frequently. With experience, they become more attentive, careful and safe on the road.
Parent/young driver agreements
A parent/young driver agreement can potentially help keep young drivers stay safe. For example, this can simply be a set of verbal or written promises between a parent and young driver for a few months after passing their test.
A young driver might agree to:
- Not drive between certain times at night i.e. midnight and 6am
- A maximum number of people in the car (which might vary according to the time of the day)
- A zero alcohol limit when driving
- A zero drug limit when driving
- Not use a mobile phone while driving
- Keep within the speed limit
- Wear a seatbelt at all times
- Black Box technology being fitted in the car
In return, a parent might agree to:
- Make a car available
- Collect them after a certain time, so they don’t drive home late at night
Penalties for young drivers
Don’t risk losing your licence
As a young driver, there are tougher penalties in place by law – covering the first two years after you pass your test.
If you pick up 6 points or more in that time, as well as a potential fine, your licence will be put back to provisional status.
That means you’ll have to re-sit and pass the theory and practical tests all over again. Here are just some of the ways you can lose your licence:
- Getting caught speeding twice
- Using a mobile phone while driving
- Not having car insurance
Since 25 March 2022, it is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel for virtually any use, including taking photos or videos, scrolling through playlists or playing games. If you use a handheld phone behind the wheel, you can get a fine of up to £1,000, 6 points on your licence, and a driving ban.
Recent changes to The Highway Code
- There’s now a new hierarchy of road users
- Those who can do the most harm have the greatest responsibility
- Drivers and riders have to give way to pedestrians crossing a road
- Pedestrians and cyclists have priority when turning in and out of junctions
- Drivers and riders need to give plenty of space when passing others. At least:
- 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at up to 30mph
- 2 metres and under 10mph for horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles
- 2 metres and a low speed when passing pedestrians walking on a road
- Cyclists can ride in the centre of the lane, or two side-by-side for their own safety
- In a vehicle, the door should be opened with the hand furthest from the door, helping to make drivers look over their shoulder to see cyclists or pedestrians nearby
Brain development
Studies show the prefrontal cortex of the human brain, which regulates impulsive behaviour, doesn’t reach full maturity until adults are at least in their mid-twenties.
The studies also show increased limbic activity, meaning that young people are more likely to be influenced by their friends and indulge in thrill-seeking behaviour.
Areas where young drivers are most likely to be involved in collisions:
- Country roads
- Drink driving
- Drug driving
- Distractions
- Speeding
- Vulnerable road users