For any new teenage motorist keen to enjoy the freedom of the open road, the dangers of fatal and serious injury crashes combined with the cost of young drivers car insurance are probably the top two obstacles to overcome.
The severe toll of deaths and injuries suffered by teenagers and those aged in their early twenties makes for depressing reading. No wonder then that motoring, road safety and campaigning organisations are applying greater pressure for change to protect young people behind the wheel.
It can be very upsetting to read about the death of youngsters in car accidents. Press headlines can be stark and hurtful, however true - for example, "Young woman killed after drink-driving illegally" or "Student killed in death crash".
The facts are indisputable - young drivers are an extremely vulnerable group on UK roads. To focus the minds of those that have the power and resources to change the alarming problem, there are some horrendous facts and figures that need the utmost contemplation and concentration:
There is no need to exaggerate the problem - as well as the obvious higher cost of car insurance, young drivers face very real, serious dangers to life and limb. These statistics make for a huge, scary and intimidating list of shocking findings, probably enough to make many parents and youngsters, upon reflection, think twice about whether learning to drive is worth the risk.
Main issues causing accidents involving young people are relatively small in number but the consequences of any accident can be traumatic: speeding, alcohol and drink-driving, drugs use, carrying passengers, driving at night, seatbelts, over-confidence, poor risk assessment and mental overload (caused by driving tasks that experienced motorists take for granted such as changing gears and observing conditions on the road).
To tackle the issue, a number of initiatives are in the public domain. Road safety group Brake is pressing for graduated licensing that allows new drivers to build up driving skills and experience in a measured and gradual way.
The Driving Standards Agency has designed a training course for drivers who have passed their driving test but are relatively inexperienced on the road. Called Pass Plus, it teaches young motorists about a wide range of traffic hazards and driving situations.
What else can be done? I've seen a few courses that improve young people's driving skills (but not enough, sadly). Many parents would probably have little hesitation paying out a little extra money that might help save their children's lives.
The Institute for Advanced Motoring (IAM) is offering young people a special Christmas promotion this year - advanced driving lessons and membership of their organisation by signing up for a 'Skill for Life for Drivers' course costing just £70 - see the following website for more information: www.iam.org.uk
Other reported measures include displaying green 'P' plates to indicate an inexperienced driver is at the wheel; using technology to help control or monitor young drivers; voluntary driving codes and conditions that parents require their sons or daughters to sign up for; and, better law enforcement to track poor driving by young motorists.
More information - Road safety initiatives to help young drivers stay alive and uninjured on UK roads
If more could be done to push through and better implement some or all of these measures, then many young people stand to be alive in the years ahead. And as well as avoiding death or serious injuries, another obvious benefit will be in people's pockets by helping keeping down the cost of young drivers car insurance. For a competitive young driver's car insurance quote call Hoot