The number of young drivers who regularly take extreme risks, like overtaking blind and drugged-driving, is revealed today at a national conference.

Research from road safety charity Brake and Green Flag shows that:

• One in three young drivers (33%) admits overtaking when they can't see what's coming, compared to one in ten older drivers (9%);
• One in 11 young drivers (9%) admits driving on illegal drugs, compared to 3% of older drivers;
• Half of young drivers (50%) admit using a hand-held phone while driving, compared to three in ten older drivers (35%).

Horrifying numbers of young people take these life-threatening risks on a regular basis: one in six drivers under 25 (17%) overtake blind once a week or more; and one in five (20%) use a hand-held mobile at the wheel once a week or more. (See notes to editors for full results.)

These startling insights into the risk-taking culture of young drivers are reflected in the high number whose lives are cut short. More than 14 young drivers and passengers die every week in Britain.¹

The research comes as a national conference in Manchester today (29 Jan) brings together experts in the field to discuss strategies to tackle young driver crashes. At the conference Brake will urge the Government to publish its long-awaited consultation on novice drivers and take prompt action to cut casualties.

Brake's head of campaigns, Cathy Keeler, will argue that the current system of learning to drive is inadequate, contributing to high numbers of young people killed and injured on roads as a result of inexperience combined with immaturity and dangerous attitudes. She will be talking about the need to introduce compulsory road safety education in schools and a system of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL).

Organised by Brake, the conference will examine Government policies, latest research, advertising and education campaigns. Speakers will cover research into pre-driver education, Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), and how best to communicate with young drivers to combat risk-taking. Speakers include:

• Nick Carter, Driving Standards Agency - Government initiatives
• Dr. David Crundall, Nottingham University - hazard perception skills among young and novice drivers
• Fiona Seymour, Head of Publicity, THINK! - using research to develop targeted advertising

Click here for a flyer with full agenda for the event, which is sponsored by KeyMed.

GDL systems have been successfully introduced in New Zealand², Canada and the States. They typically include:

• A minimum learner driver period (e.g. 12 months), with a minimum number of hours professional tuition. This ensures drivers gain experience over time and across a range of conditions.
• A novice driver period (entered after completing the learner period and passing practical and theory tests) with restrictions on high-risk situations including driving at night and carrying passengers³.
• A second test at the end of the novice period, following which a full licence is granted.

For more information on GDL, click here.

Case study - available for interview by calling 01484 559909

Nick Bennett was 17 years old when he made the decision to overtake without making sure it was safe. He had set off to work and came up behind two slow vehicles. Nick pulled out to overtake and crashed into a three-tonne lorry. His brain stem was severely twisted in the crash, affecting his mobility, speech and nervous system. He now uses a wheelchair and can only walk with a frame. Nick Bennett says: "I pay every day for taking the stupid risk of overtaking blind. I used to regularly take extreme risks while driving - speeding, racing my mates, overtaking dangerously - and never thought much of it. My life has altered dramatically, all because of the decision I took that day. I would urge all young drivers not to gamble with their lives like I did with mine. I thought I was invincible, and learned the hard way I'm not."

Cathy Keeler, head of campaigns for Brake says: "The Government must take steps to tackle extreme risk-taking and appalling numbers of deaths and injuries involving young drivers. Brake is demanding that the promised Government consultation is published and decisive action taken. We must educate young people on the consequences of taking these deadly risks and ensure we have a robust, structured system of learning to drive in place. We know Graduated Driver Licensing works, and we can't afford to drag our heels. The longer we delay, the more young lives are needlessly wasted."

Abi Clark, spokesperson for Green Flag says: "This research highlights that many young drivers are taking extremely dangerous risks when they are out on the road. All drivers need to know that taking risks such as drink and drug driving, using mobile phones at the wheel and overtaking blind all have a huge impact on the safety of all people on the road."

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