Young rural drivers 'at increased risk of accidents'

Date: 10/2/2012

Research has shown younger drivers from rural areas are at a greater risk of accidents than those living in urban locations.

Data from Road Safety Analysis found motorists living in the countryside aged between 16 and 29 were 37 per cent more likely to be involved in an injury collision than urban road users.

Furthermore, young rural drivers are two-thirds more likely to be involved in such a crash as their older counterparts.

It is believed the risk of traffic incidents is greater among this group of people due to the fact they travel a greater number of miles on average than those who live in towns or cities.

Director of Road Safety Analysis Dan Campsall said: "This is the first time that we have had a thorough examination of the risks to young drivers based on where they live and the results are stark."

At the end of last month, road safety charity Brake claimed reductions to road policing could result in an increase in the amount of illegal and dangerous activity taking place on Britain's highways.

Posted by Sarah Bailey