The BBC has published a report suggesting that young drivers insurance in Essex may soon face a price increase as the number of 17 to 25 year old drivers being seriously injured or killed in the area is rising. Statistics show that 132 young drivers experienced a road accident in Essex in 2010, whereas it was 129 in 2009.
Young motorists' accidents make up a 20% proportion of all the casualties in Essex. In total the area experiences 656 incidents involving drivers of all ages who undergo serious injury or are killed.
Young men looking to obtain cheap car insurance are reportedly hindering this as they are found to be the most reckless – their driving leads to the most crashes on the roads. Future road safety campaigns are trying to focus on this particular area of society.
Some of the more common factors which lead young male motorists to crash more often are aggressive behaviour while behind the wheel and poor overtaking, as well as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
"Young drivers are a key area of concern for Essex County Council, especially as they still represent 20% of the killed and seriously injured figures," says Roger Walters, the deputy cabinet member for highways and transportation.
Walters goes on to say that the injury figures are down compared to 2007 (204 casualties on the road), but more innovative solutions, such as increasing young drivers insurance, will be needed in order to combat the problem more effectively.