Road safety for young drivers and passengers

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service are looking to reach current, new and future drivers with the aim of improving road safety and saving lives.

Did you know...

• Young drivers are at much higher risk of being involved in a collision than older, more experienced drivers. One in five drivers are involved in a collision within a year of passing their test (Source: BRAKE).
• Young males aged 17-24 are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with car drivers aged 25 or over – and young male drivers are more likely to crash with passengers in the car.
• Road users who commit one of the Fatal Five offences are far more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than those who do not.

Tips on how to stay safe...

• Plan ahead - no matter if you are a passenger or a driver, taking small actions can make big differences in the event of a risky situation. For example putting local taxi firms and uber details into your phone can save you having to figure it out when you need it. Having tech and apps pre downloaded, and being familiar with how you can use them can really help. Most people have What3Words now, but have you used it enough to make it easy to use in an emergency?
• Be prepared - know what to say and do! Always tell someone that you trust where you are going and when they can expect you back. There are lots of apps out there that you can use to share your location information in real time. Carry emergency cash that you can use to get home safely. Buy your designated driver soft drinks and help them to make it easier not to drink alcohol. Rehearse what you would say if you were worried about someone driving in a way that made you feel unsafe.
• When you are the driver… Don't be in a hurry to pass your test. Take as many hazard perception tests as you can. Choose car insurance that provides you with a telematics system (black box). Not only can this make your insurance cheaper but having one fitted to your car can potentially save your life if you are ever involved in a serious collision. Make sure your passengers understand that when you are driving they need to follow your safe rules e.g. everyone always wears a seatbelt.

For more driver safety information please visit https://visionzerosouthwest.co.uk.

For more information on how to plan to be safe then please access 'Learn to Live'.