8 young drivers a week killed on Welsh Roads

Government statistics uncovered by Brake reveal that eight young drivers and passengers are killed or seriously injured every week on Welsh roads(1)

In the region in 2005, 67 drivers, passengers and motorcyclists aged 15-25 were killed and 340 were seriously injured.(2) Serious injuries include brain damage, spinal injuries and limb-loss.

Other results from Brake’s survey of 303 young people in Wales include more than a third have driven without a licence.

• One in 20 (5%) has driven a stolen vehicle
• One in five (21%) has been a passenger with a driver who they knew was unlicensed, uninsured, or who had stolen the car
• One in three (34%) has been a passenger in a car driven by a driver on drink or drugs.
• Almost half (45%) don’t always belt up in the back

Out of the young people surveyed who drive:

Half have broken 30 mph speed limits and

• Six in ten (60%) have overtaken at speed when they are unsure of what is coming in the other direction.
• A quarter (26%) have driven at more than 70mph on a rural road.
• One in 6 has driven after drinking alcohol
• One in 10 (10%) has driven on illegal drugs.

Figures obtained by Brake from the Department for Transport, 2006

Figures obtained by Brake from the Department for Transport, 2006