Caution urged to young drivers after over 100 collisions last month

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Monday, 20 November 2023 14:21

We're issuing a warning to young drivers on Road Safety Week (19 -25 November) after receiving 118 calls to road traffic collisions in the month of October (2023).

When you’re a new driver, it’s harder to perceive speed, as well as other risks on the road. A shocking five people die each day on UK roads, and according to road safety charity Brake, excessive or inappropriate speed is a key contributor towards crashes involving young drivers in the UK and elsewhere.

The younger the driver, the more likely they are to be involved in a crash caused by speed. This is particularly the case for young men, who are much more likely to be involved in a fatal crash caused by speeding than their female counterparts. Every time you drive faster than the speed limit, or too fast for the road conditions, you increase your risk of a crash. Not only does this kind of risk affect you, but it also affects your passengers and other road users.

Meghann Elvin, Road Safety Lead at AF&RS said: “Lots of people wrongly assume that a few miles an hour (mph) above the limit won’t do much harm, or that because other people speed, it must be ok.”

“Every time you speed, you’re putting lives at risk. Whether you’re breaking the limit, or driving too fast in the ice, rain, wind or snow, you’re compromising the control you have over your vehicle and both your thinking time and breaking distance.”

Our advice for a safer winter on the roads is clear:

  • Prepare for your journey. Check the weather, and be mindful of ice, rain, and other nasty road conditions. You should also pack an emergency kit too.
  • Consider your route. Remember that poor conditions can make your journey take longer, so think about when you need to leave, and how you can travel safely. You may need to avoid certain roads if they are prone to flooding or dangerous ice.
  • Check yourself before you wreck yourself. Make sure you aren’t under the influence of alcohol or substances and medications that can affect your driving. It’s also important not to drive tired.
  • Stick to speed limits and use your head. Just because the speed limit down a country lane is 60mph, doesn’t mean you should be driving that quickly, especially in bad conditions.

For more road safety tips for driving in winter, visit tour dedicated page.