According to sources from BBC News quoting statistics from the RAC, young drivers are more likely to be in a collision than any other road user group. The stats show that nearly 12% of accidents that leave victims dead or injured involve drivers between the ages of 17 – 19, yet they only make up for 1.5% of drivers on the road.
There have been calls to introduce new legislation that can restrict what new and young drivers can do to help reduce accidents on the road.
Of course, it’s all very well and good introducing such legislation, but with insurance premiums for young drivers already at an all time high, we’re looking at potentially higher rates of uninsured motorists in these age groups. This is of course a significant cause for concern, but at the same time, inexperience can be costly. My instructor told me that you only really learn to drive when you’ve passed your test and you’re out there on the roads gaining experience. This is a majorly important point in my opinion.
Quoting from the studies, a researcher has said that young drivers:
- Do not stick to the speed limit
- Come flying around corners on the other side of the road
- Keep their full beam headlights on
She went on to describe their driving behaviour as ‘crazy’ although young drivers have of course responded acknowledging that there may well be a minority in their age group that may drive recklessly, but many are safe drivers. As we all know, it isn’t just young drivers responsible for accidents, despite what the statistics may indicate. Many drivers who have been driving a long time may end up getting lazy or cocky and end up making foolish errors.
We do take on plenty of claims for personal injury compensation caused by young drivers as well as older drivers, and as an accident victim you are entitled to make a car accident claim for any pain and suffering caused. If the driver at fault is uninsured, you needn’t worry because you can still make a full claim thanks to the Motor Insurers Bureau Uninsured Driver Scheme.
Insurance is compulsory by law for the very reason that a blameless victim should be entitled to seek damages for any pain, loss, and expenses caused. For advice, call our free claims helpline on 0800 634 75 75 today.
