Young Drivers

Young Drivers – defined as drivers aged between 17 and 25 inclusive – are included as a vulnerable group for reasons different to any other vulnerable group in this Plan. As a group, their physical abilities (eyesight,reactions, hand/eye co-ordination etc) should be approaching their peak.

Having just or recently passed their driving test, their education and theoretical knowledge should also be at their freshest.

However, 30% of all drivers involved in an injury accident in Aberdeenshire between 1999 and 2004 fell into this age group, despite this group representing only 10% of driving licence-holders. The number of young people killed and seriously injured (KSI) on our roads is a particular source of concern and imposes a considerable social and emotional cost to our community.

Chart 9

In terms of casualty numbers we have met the target for slight casualties while the KSI figures are generally following the target line.

Engineering measures will benefit all age ranges equally and it is difficult to specifically address young driver problems by engineering measures alone.

Education will continue to be the main weapon in this battle. Aberdeenshire Council is fully committed to the “Safe Drive, Stay Alive” initiative being promoted by the Aberdeenshire Community Safety Partnership which is aimed at 5th year school pupils and 1st year college students.

Aberdeenshire Council:

• will continue to support Grampian Policein their Driving Ambition programme, targeted at young drivers
• is committed to continuing our support for the Driving Standards Agency’s PassPlus scheme
• will continue to install engineering schemes aimed at reducing speeds and curbing inappropriate driving.

Related Information

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