All Wales Young Adult Driving Safety Campaign

The four Welsh Police Forces in collaboration with Road Safety Wales partners have carried out an enforcement and engagement campaign aimed at young adult drivers and passengers.

The aim of the campaign is to highlight the driving risks to young adults under the Fatal 5 banner, such as driving whilst impaired and using mobile phones behind the wheel. Passengers were also asked to look at their own behaviour within a vehicle environment – from peer pressure and distraction to thinking about whether they should get into a car with a driver who is impaired.

During the campaign, over 300 young adults came to the attention of the police with 193 drivers found to have committed offences (including speeding, anti-social driving/riding and use of mobile phones) with 68 given verbal warnings.

A total of 40 passengers aged 16 to 24 were dealt with by the police. Some were found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracting the driver or not wearing their seatbelt.

The majority of drivers and passengers dealt with were male and over 80 per cent of the young adults were aged from 21 to 24.

Speaking on behalf of the Welsh forces, Deputy Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, and All Wales lead on Roads Policing Carl Langley, said: “Our focus in Wales is to reduce casualties on our roads and in particular those in high risk groups such as young adults, whether they are driving or travelling as a passenger with a young adult.

“Our campaign employed a balanced mix of education and engagement along with enforcement where necessary. We supported the Deadly Mates and Fatal 4law initiatives and reinforced those messages during the campaign period.”

Chair of Road Safety Wales, Susan Storch, said: “Young people are at a higher risk of being involved in a collision in their first year of driving. One of the main reasons is a lack of driving experience. Another is their attitude and perception of risk. In particular young male drivers are more likely to take risks on the road and hence are more likely to commit driving offences.

“All our partners in Wales are working together on young adult education initiatives such as the heavily subsidised Pass Plus Cymru. This scheme aims to enhance a young driver’s skill level by building on their knowledge and hazard awareness to reduce the risk of them being involved in a collision.”

If you have information relating to someone you think is driving unsafely or illegally please contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.

Notes:

Young drivers are more likely to be involved in:

• high speed crashes
• crashes caused by losing control of the vehicle
• crashes in the dark
• crashes when overtaking and negotiating bends.