Young drivers |
2011 |
| Characteristic of serious traffic accidents which involve young drivers: - fast speed - veering off road - seatbelts unattached - driver under influence of alcohol - driver a young man - takes place during a summer weekend Risk decreases as driving experience grows Young men’s risk of dying in traffic while driving a passenger car is higher than the risk for other age groups. Majority of young people do not, however, belong in the risk group. According to different studies, about 10-17 per cent of young people possess characteristics typical for a risk driver. The young drivers’ risk of accident drops as driving experience accumulates. An inexperienced driver does not always know how to direct his/her attention to things which may cause dangerous situations. According to insurance statistics, |
the number of traffic accidents involving drivers who have been driving only for a year is triple the number of accidents involving drivers who have three years of driving experience.
Risk-prone driving style It is characteristic especially for young male drivers’ risk-prone driving style to feature great speeds and short safety margins, while paying little attention to traffic rules, driving drunk and without a seatbelt. Young female drivers’ driving style is normally more peaceful, more cautious and considerate, and the driving style is not as competitive or aggressive as that of young men. The accident risk for a young driver often increases as the driver takes in friends as passengers. In such a situation, the so-called ulterior motives - such as desire to show-off and need to compete - increase the risks considerably. Young drivers often overestimate their own abilities. |
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| Reduction of accidents
In reducing young drivers’ traffic accidents it is the young people themselves that are in key position. From the very beginning, young drivers should adapt an anticipatory driving style which provides the driver with enough options on the road - giving the driver both time and room to act even in surprising situations. Observing speed limits and other traffic rules, using a seatbelt and driving only when sober are relevant methods when one seeks to avoid getting in traffic accidents, and, on the other hand, to make the consequences of accidents less severe. The traffic education of schools and driving schools has an important role in promoting young people’s safe driving and the development of responsible attitudes. Studies show that young people are most likely to listen to their peers. It is worthwhile to encourage young people to look after each other’s safety. |
Statistical information
Annually about 85 young people die in |
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Liikenneturva |
