Young drivers 'among the most vulnerable on the roads'

Date: 8/9/2010

Young motorists are among those most at risk on the roads and need to be aware of the dangers of driving while distracted, one expert has suggested.

According to the Shuttle, a new campaign has been launched by the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia, which will target drivers aged between 17 and 24.

The project aims to raise awareness of the dangers of distractions such as mobile phone use and listening to music while behind the wheel.

Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager at the Safer Roads Partnership, said: "This age group [is] one of the most vulnerable groups on our roads."

She explained the campaign is designed to show young motorists that "highly risky behaviour", such as changing a song on an iPod, can have "catastrophic results".

Superintendent Matt Mead of West Mercia Police added drivers who are distracted by sending text messages, for example, will have slower reactions and take longer to brake.

Published research using the driving simulator at TRL has demonstrated how drivers interacting with electronic devices behind the wheel are significantly impaired in both their reaction time and their ability to maintain safe control of their vehicle, leading to a dramatic increase in crash risk.

Posted by Sarah Bailey