Young drivers account for half of all traffic collisions

Of those motorists who had a collision in the last 12 months, over 48 per cent were between 17 and 24, data from Slater and Gordon has shown.

Tougher penalties should also be given to young motorists who do not wear their seatbelts after passing their test, the survey found, with 69 per cent of people believing they should be given six penalty points for this offence within their first six months of driving.

Currently, drivers can be fined up to £500 for not wearing their seatbelt, but no penalty points are routinely given.

Of those calling for greater punishment for young drivers who are not wearing a seatbelt, 75 per cent were aged 55 or over.

The research was carried out by the law firm to mark Road Safety Week 2024, which runs from November 17 to 23, and reminds all road users of the vital importance of being safe and considerate to avoid the devastating toll of crashes.

Tracey Benson, Head of Serious Injury (South), says: “The fact that young drivers have accounted for half of all traffic collisions in the past 12 months is clearly a concerning statistic.

“Road safety is of the utmost importance for drivers of all ages, but for less experienced motorists, this looks to be even more important.

“It is interesting that more than two thirds of people believe young people should be given penalty points for not wearing a seatbelt shortly after passing their test.

“Introducing additional safeguards in the very early stages of their driving lives could have a positive effect more widely going forward – so this is certainly something that should be given due consideration.”