What really keeps young drivers safe? Advice and insight from a road safety expert.

For many teenagers up and down the country, passing their driving test is the key to a life of freedom without having to rely on parents for lifts. Whilst it is a major milestone, the second leading cause among young people is car crashes.

Safer Essex Roads Partnership feels that one death is one too many. Combining several local authorities and emergency services, they aim to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on roads across the county.

Together, they collaborate on a single delivery plan to reach out to as many people as possible. A huge part of the partnership is education. Across Essex, they provide an education to primary school age up to sixth forms and colleges to communicate road safety messages and advice.

The launch of campaigns such as the Fatal Four and Vision Zero is to encourage the public to stay safe on the roads.

Road safety professional and manager of Safer Essex Roads Partnership, William Cubbin, shared his advice for young drivers on how to drive safely on UK roads.

Outside of complying with the rules of the road, he believes that new drivers shouldn't carry

passengers of the same age group straight away. Instead, a gradual introduction to avoid peer pressure.

William believes: "Build up experience first before offering peers a lift. Perhaps travel with a trusted friend who is known to be a positive influence, before having friends who could be a distraction."

A 17-year-old's risk of being involved in a fatality increases by 44% when driving with one friend of the same age. This doubles when carrying two passengers younger than 21 (and no older passengers). When carrying three or more passengers younger than 21, the chance quadruples.

When a young driver has a passenger aged 35 or older in a vehicle, their chance of being involved in a crash decreases by 62%.

Source - The AA Foundation

"Parents being passengers in their child's car can enable them to build up driving experience. This way, it can be viewed as a continuation of the learning process. Young people can drive independently when they want, but putting a parent in the car puts them in a low-risk situation.

"It is a positive learning experience that will help their young driver. Even simply letting their child drive the car on a family journey allows them to build up that crucial experience."

Driving at night is a common risk facing young drivers due to inexperience. There is a greater risk of a crash happening in dark conditions. This is also linked to drinking and drug use. Drivers have a restricted view in the evenings.

"Avoid driving in the dark until the driver feels they are ready. I ask them to focus on staying in the speed limit, not driving while impaired, wearing a seatbelt and not being distracted." 

SERP launched MyCarMyRules with the hopes that new drivers don't succumb to peer pressure. Encouraging teens and young people to set their own rules when behind the wheel. Inspired by a young girl who was pulled over by a police officer, she laid out expectations for those getting in her car.

"MyCarMyRules is about young people, having that control in their car to talk to their companions about, minimising distractions, and not having expectations on them to drive at night or go fast."