Urgent Christmas warning to young drivers who make up 'significant' number of December deaths
Experts have issued a grim warning to young drivers ahead of the festive season as statistics show they are more likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
The AA Charitable Trust is asking youngsters not to mix alcohol, drugs and driving this Christmas as deadly drink-drive collisions are at their highest since 2009.
The AA analysis also showed that a staggering one in five fatal crashes that take place at night time happened with a 17 to 20 year old driving. The study also found that young drivers are significantly over-represented in fatal crashes on December nights.
READ MORE: New DWP Winter Fuel Payment update for millions of State Pensioners
READ MORE: Older people on Attendance Allowance, PIP, DLA or ADP may be due an extra £326 each month
Findings, which were released to coincide with the Christmas party season, shows young drivers (17-20) were involved in a fifth (19 percent) of night-time fatal collisions last December, despite this age group making up just 2.4 percent of licence holders.
The temptation for drivers, of any age, to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, or being impaired by drugs, can be greater in December as many head out in the evening to pubs, bars and restaurants for Christmas socialising.
Overall, drunk drivers are involved in nearly a fifth (18 percent) of all fatalities on UK roads. This equates to an estimated 280 fatal drink-drive collisions in 2022, the highest level since 2009. Impairment by drugs is listed in 6.2 percent of fatal collisions.
The AA/Yonder poll also shows many drivers are now turning to zero-alcohol options to avoid drink driving. More than four-fifths (83 percent) said the range of zero-alcohol drinks now means there is no excuse for drink driving, while a third say they regularly turn to zero-alcohol drinks when they are the designated drivers.
Edmund King, Director of the AA Charitable Trust, said: “Young drivers are involved in a significant percentage of fatal crashes on December nights – which may point to a link with driving home after a Christmas drink.
“The December party season can be a dangerous cocktail for drivers who choose to mix drinking and driving.
“There is no excuse to drink and drive, especially with the rise of alcohol-free drinks available. Organise a lift, designate a driver, take a taxi or public transport, or choose a zero-alcohol drink – the options are there.
“Every year, lives are lost because of drunk and drugged drivers. Whether it’s late at night, or the morning after a heavy night, drivers should be aware of the risks and ensure they do not get behind the wheel if they have been drinking.”
A drink driving conviction can result in up to 14 years imprisonment, an unlimited fine and disqualification from driving for two years. Meanwhile, drivers who are caught tailgating or hogging the middle lane can be issued with a fixed penalty notice.
Join our Daily Record Money WhatsApp community here to receive alerts on the latest money news from benefits to shopping deals.
