Everyone in the car is accountable for our safety. Even the passengers. And with 57% of young drivers in agreement, it's time to think about how we ride the roads with our mates.
In fact, young drivers are four times more likely to be in a fatal crash with their friends in the car. Driving with mates is raising the deadly statistics for young drivers.
It's time to push the conversation further. We teamed up with TikTok stars Jeremiah Asiamah @jeremiahasiamah Ella and Benn @itsellaandbenn and the Polson twins @polsontwins to chat about how they and their mates arrive safely.
*Young drivers data, Brake
What happens inside the car influences how people drive. Whether it's pressure to take risks or distractions from friends.
79% of 17-23 year olds say they behave differently with friends in the car. Sometimes, we want to show off or fit in. With 3 in 10 young adults saying that they wouldn't speak up even if their mates' driving was making them uncomfortable. And that can have deadly consequences.
So, be part of the change. And that all starts with a simple conversation.
Photo credit: Osian Wyn
We all have our reasons for staying quiet when we’re uncomfortable. 44% of young adults worry about creating tension between friends. But even more shocking, 37% of passengers don’t want to be seen as ‘boring’.
Passengers have the power to help prevent serious accidents by simply speaking up. Behavioural Psychologist Jo Hemmings believes passengers should never be afraid to say “no.” If someone’s driving feels unsafe, it’s okay to speak up or ask to get out. This is often enough to get the driver to think twice about how they’re driving.
No parent wants to get a knock on the door from the police, or to hear the most gut-wrenching news imaginable.
But 49% of Gen Z drivers admit to being in a crash or near miss when their friends were in the car.
Those incidents are often caused by risky behaviour when we're driving with mates. Many of which young drivers admit to themselves:
Survey conducted by Admiral Motor Insurance involving 2,000 young drivers under the age of 24.
But we shouldn’t feel under pressure. Behavioural Psychologist, Jo Hemmings, suggests drivers plan ahead with a reply to peer pressure. Be assertive. And get vocal with a phrase like “I’m not risking my life for a laugh.” Put your own spin on it and make it your own.
But whatever you do, don't be pressured to do something you’re not comfortable with. We want you to outlive your grandparents.
Photo credit: Osian Wyn
Dangerous driving can ruin your life. And when we're behind the wheel, there's not much more dangerous than distractions.
Your mates yelling. The playlist blasting. Your phone pinging. They all add unnecessary danger to the drive. But to drive safely we need to avoid those distractions. Set the tone by making your rules clear before passengers get in your car. And if they distract you, tell them to tone it down.
Avoiding your phone behind the wheel can be a tricky. So, behavioural Psychologist Jo Hemmings suggests popping your phone on do not disturb. Adjust your settings to block out any notifications. And if there's passenger pressure to look at your phone, say something like, 'Not while I'm driving—I'll check it when we stop.'
To keep you safe on the roads, TikTok legends shared their five rules to be a better driver and passenger:
It's easy to think “it won't happen to me”. But road accidents are still the leading cause of death for young adults. And all it takes is one short moment of distraction for things to go west. We're not invincible. So, be careful by knowing what takes your attention away from the road.
It's not just on the driver. Passengers play a huge part, too. From turning up the tunes to peer pressure even those in the back seat can cause a crash. So if you're along for the ride, respect the driver's rules. Let them focus and get there safe.
If someone's driving makes you uncomfortable, say something. Speaking up can make all the difference. It might just save a life.
Sort the playlist, snacks and satnav before you hit the road. You can give people roles for the ride if that helps — you know, the navigator, the DJ and the passenger princess. Set expectations and make your rules clear before the wheels start moving.
Use humour. Ask a question. Give 'the look'. There's always a way to speak up for a safer journey. It doesn't need to be deep or dramatic. Use your tone to say what needs to be said in your own way.
You don’t have to put up with your mates’ distracting behaviour. Tell them to pipe down. And if you’re in the passenger seat and think your mate’s taking too many risks — tell them. It’s better to get to your destination than not at all.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a serious road traffic injury, support is available.
Our charity partner Headway offers support if you're struggling with the aftermath of a serious road traffic accident.
Through their network of over 118 groups and branches across the UK, Headway offers support, services and information to brain injury survivors, their families and carers.
If you've lost a loved one to a serious crash, Headway offers support to those navigating loss.
Visit Headway