Ok, you're on the Hoot website to get cheap car insurance because you're a young driver. Smart move - now read on to find out how to be smart even when you're not doing the driving.
According to Brake, road safety campaign group, research has shown that peer pressure from young passengers has a tendency to encourage reckless driving in young adults who try to "show off". However, when things go wrong in this type of scenario it is not only death and serious injury that occurs to the driver, but also to passengers.
Research carried out in the US has shown that the crash rate for 16-19 year olds driving alone is higher than the rate for other age groups and it increases when passengers are present; the more passengers, the higher the risk. The fatal crash risk for 16-19 year-old drivers carrying two or more passengers is over five times higher than if the driver is alone.
Tips for staying alive as a young driver's passenger
They may seem like common sense, but really that's all you need and you could keep yourself and other occupants of the car alive.
Wear a seatbelt
If there is one thing that might well save your life in a car accident it's a seatbelt. It might not seem "cool" to buckle up, especially if the driver of the car doesn't do so, but if they crash, it is you who will be injured or killed. Take responsibility for your own safety - Put the seatbelt on.
Brake's statistics show that in road crash fatalities one in three drivers and one in five passengers were not restrained. And back seat passengers who choose not to wear a seatbelt are more likely to risk the life of the person sitting in front of them. Unbelted rear seat passengers kill about 10 front seat drivers or passengers every year.
Get a designated driver
Decide early if you're going to need a driver, preferably before you go out and definitely before you start drinking. Then, once decided, try not to encourage the person, who is going to save you a taxi fare and possibly your life, to have alcohol; any alcohol, it's just not worth it.
Don't get into a car with someone who's been drinking
They might tell you they're fine and that they've only had one, but if you suspect they have had over the legal alcohol limit or, more importantly, that their driving ability is impaired, don't get into the car.
Government statistics have shown that 5.7%of male 20-24 year-old drivers and 4.2% of male 17-19 year-old drivers will fail a breath test after an accident involving injury to one or more of the occupants. This compares with just over 3% in all age groups combined.
Overcrowding is dangerous
Following 2008 reports of fatal car accidents involving overcrowding, it is becoming important to stress that cars are designed to hold a specific number of passengers and by taking more than the vehicle was designed for can cause dangerous problems.
If four people squeeze into the back it is unlikely that seat belts will function well, if used at all. If one passenger sits on the lap of another it could unbalance the car and affect the handling. It may restrict the rear view of the driver, and of course more passengers = more distraction.
Stay aware
You may have been drinking, you may be tired after a hectic evening, but it could pay to stay alert. A young inexperienced driver will have a lot on their mind and another pair of active eyes could prove useful in dangerous motoring situations.
Don't be distracting
We know this one sounds the most like your dad ever, but if you want to stay alive, goading the driver, particularly late at night or in heavy traffic situations, could be a potentially fatal action. According to US research, in four out of five crashes, and in 65% of all near-misses some sort of driver distraction occurred within three seconds of the incident.
Peer pressure has statistically been shown to cause accidents. Frankly, it's just not worth it.
Hoot cheap car insurance and driving your mates
Cool is one thing, dead is quite another. Remember the above advice and when you are the driver you could save your own life as well as those of your mates.
Call Hoot today and see how we can save you money on your young driver car insurance quote. We also offer you advice and driving tips, like don't be a mug: stay safe - stay alive.