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Shocking record of young drivers revealed

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11/02/2010

• Young motorists twice as likely than average to have a crash
• Average cost of an accident involving a young motorist twice as high as for other motorists
• Accident involving a young driver five times as likely to involve an injury
• Young motorists four times as likely to have a conviction for careless driving than the average motorist

Research by leading car insurance expert Admiral highlights just how poor the driving record of young drivers is compared with older motorists. It shows 17 and 18 year old motorists are twice as likely to have a road accident as someone in their 30s, three times as likely as someone in their 40s and six times as likely as someone aged over 50.

Admiral's research of 2million motorists found 13% of those aged 17 and 18 have a crash. This compares with 6.5% of motorists overall. But when compared with older motorists, the difference is even more startling. Just 4.5% of motorists in their 40s are involved in a crash and 2% of those over 50.

It's not just the amount of accidents young drivers have that illustrates why they are worse than older drivers. Admiral found the average cost of an accident involving a 17 or 18 year old was nearly £3,500. The average cost of an accident for drivers overall is half this; £1,741. This points to young drivers having more serious crashes at high speed which often involve an injury to someone. Indeed an accident claim made by someone aged 17-21 is five times as likely to include somebody being injured.

Admiral managing director, Sue Longthorn, commenting on the research said, "Sadly, newly qualified motorists aged 17 and 18 are far more likely to be involved in a serious accident than more mature drivers. It isn't until motorists reach 25 that their accident statistics improve substantially, but it really is the youngest ones who are the biggest risk.

"From our point of view driving experience makes a huge difference and is one reason older motorists have lower premiums. Another explanation why young drivers have a worse driving record is peer pressure. They will often drive with their friends as passengers and some feel a need to show off; driving too fast and taking risks. Combined with their lack of experience, this can prove fatal; road accidents are the biggest cause of death for young people."

Convictions for careless driving are also far more common among young drivers than older ones. Someone aged 17-21 is four times as likely as the average motorist to receive a conviction for careless driving.

One way in which Admiral is addressing the problem of poor driving is by sponsoring the Young Driver scheme. Through the scheme, young people aged 11-16 can take driving lessons from fully qualified driving instructors on specially designed off-highway courses. The aim of the programme is to educate young people and give them experience of what it is like to drive a car before they can drive on the road.

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