A group of road safety experts have signed a letter calling on MPs from all political parties to commit to taking action on proven evidence-based measures to save the lives of young drivers.
The letter, which was published on the Guardian website, says “we see too many car crashes resulting in the tragic death or serious injury of young people”.
Data shows 4,935 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes involving young drivers during 2022.
The letter says: “we have known for decades that young drivers are more likely to crash due to inexperience, when carrying similar-aged passengers, and are susceptible to peer influence”.
The experts point to other countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who have “supported young drivers through the transition from being a learner by initially limiting their driving in the riskiest situations”.
Known more commonly as graduated driver licencing, this includes carrying peer-aged passengers and driving at night.
The letter says the evidence is “compelling” and the measures have reduced deaths by between 20% and 40%.
It concludes by saying “despite talking about supporting young drivers for decades, MPs have failed to act on the best evidence.
“In an election year, we call on all political parties to commit to taking action on proven evidence-based measures to save young lives”.
The letter was written by:
- Dr Ian Greenwood, Campaigner to stop road deaths
- Prof Sarah-Jayne Blakemore, professor of psychology and cognitive neuroscience, University of Cambridge
- Dr Elizabeth Box, research director, RAC Foundation
- Prof Nicola Christie, professor of transport safety, University College London
- Prof Kevin Fenton, president, UK Faculty of Public Health
- Dr Pamela J Hardy, chair, Faculty of Pre-hospital Care, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- Dr Shaun Helman, chief scientist, Transport Research Laboratory
- Prof Samantha Jamson, professor of transport psychology, Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds
- Prof Andrew Morris, professor of human factors in transport safety, Loughborough University
- Prof Tim Nutbeam, professor of prehospital medicine, University of Plymouth
- Prof Ian Walker, professor of psychology and head of school, Swansea University
