When approached with a good attitude and a healthy amount of responsibility driving on the UK's roads can be a highly enjoyable and safe activity. Many people will have a different view of their reasons to drive with some doing it to get them from point A to point B, others will be making their living by being behind the wheel, and still others will drive for the feeling of independence it gives them.

Of all the drivers on the roads those who fall within the age range of over 17 - 25 (commonly referred to as young drivers) are unfortunately statistically the most likely to be involved in or be the cause of an accident. Largely this can be attributed to them being among the most inexperienced of the drivers on the road and therefore maybe not as prepared to react for the hazards that they may be faced with.

It may be a feeling among young drivers that the car insurance industry targets them unfairly for high car insurance costs but the truth is that the car insurance industry sets the cost of their insurance policies based on the amount of risk represented by the driver and the statistics surrounding the group they belong to.

What can be seen in the statistics?

When looking at statistics concerning the number of road accidents in total it is good to see that according to the statistics released by the Department for Transport (DfT), in the 12 month period leading up to the end of September 2008 when compared to the 12 month period leading up to the end of September 2007 we can see that:

• The number of deaths in road accidents is thought to have fallen from just over 3000 to approximately 2600 which is a decrease in the area of 15%



• The numbers of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents has dropped from around 30000 people to just above 29000 which again shows a drop this time in the region of 8%

Although this is good news and should help lessen worries about the dangers of the roads, it is not necessarily all good news. Further statistics released by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) released in 2008 shows that young drivers are still at the highest level of risk on the roads. Their statistics show that:

• Only 9% of full driving licences are held by those in the young driver category but are responsible for or involved in 22% of all accidents resulting in at least an injury.



• In their first year of driving, 23% of drivers who pass their test between the ages of 17-19 have been involved in at least one crash.



• Half of young drivers in KSI (killed or seriously injured) crashes have them during the hours of darkness. A third of younger car drivers' KSI crashes happen at weekends,
  slightly more than older drivers.

Common causes of accidents among young drivers could be attributed to a number of factors with the main cause likely being inexperience on the roads, but a worrying amount of information shows that many of the accidents that do occur could be easily avoided.

Can accidents be avoided?

Far too many of the accidents resulting in deaths or injuries which in some way involve young drivers are easily avoidable, factors which could help further reduce road accidents include:

• Wear a seat belt - It seems simple and yet many drivers and passengers are killed or injured simply through not wearing their seat belt.



• Speeding - Speeding is something that nearly all drivers will do at some point but trying to impress your friends, not leaving enough time to get to a destination on time, or the overconfidence of youth are not reasons to take such an unnecessary risk.
  
  
• Driving under the influence - The number of drivers found to have crashed due to consumption of substances which can alter the ability to drive is higher in young drivers than the other age groups. Never drive after consuming any sort of substance which could affect your ability to control your vehicle.

It is statistics and factors such as the above that leads to affordable young drivers car insurance being harder to find, it should however be considered that safe driving and showing responsibility will be represented in the cost of premiums, passing the Pass Plus course within the first year of getting a full driving licence could save up to 35% of the cost of car insurance.