Tackling the biggest killer of 17 to 25 year olds in the UK

Shocking statistics have revealed that while the 17 to 25 years old age group only accounts for one in eight road users, one in three road fatalities is a person aged between 17 and 25 years old.

There are many contributing factors to these accidents including peer pressure, speed, drink and drugs. The most common factor, however, is a lack of experience and a false sense of confidence.

In response the Impact Partnership Road Safety Team will be hosting an event to educate parents and young drivers on the dangers of driving on 8 September, from 6.15pm at Rochdale Town Hall. The evening will cover the different angles of driver safety and how to stay safe and drive with confidence on the roads.

Stuart Howarth, road safety officer for the Impact Partnership, said: “As most of us know, the first twelve months after passing a driving test can be the most vulnerable for any driver.

“Common first year driving habits like overloading your car with passengers and driving late at night also increase the collision risk considerably. Stats show that driving with a car full of passengers increases the fatal crash risk by four times compared with driving alone and young drivers double their risk of death or serious injury when driving at night.

“We’ll be covering all these areas on the night and helping parents and young drivers understand the dangers of driving and reduce the risks.”

Karen Delaney, communications manager at DriveSafe, Greater Manchester’s Casualty Reduction Partnership, added: “This particular age group of 17-25 year olds is a big concern for us and educating them will be vital in reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads. We’ll be watching the programme closely and we’re hoping to roll out Rochdale’s innovative approach throughout the rest of Greater Manchester.”

Parents and young drivers who attend the evening will also be entered into a prize draw offering ten chances to win Pass Plus higher level driving skills lessons. Pass Plus is available to any driver who has recently passed their test and figures show that 93 per cent of young drivers who took the course felt they had more confidence on the road.

To book a place on the evening or for further information contact the road safety team:

Email: stuart.howarth@theimpactpartnership.com

Tel: 01706 924605