Road Safety

Young Drivers

Facts
Young drivers aged 16 to 24 are overrepresented in road accidents. Although they constituted only 10% of driver's licence holders, they were involved in 24% of accidents resulting in bodily injury in 2010. The main causes are inexperience and recklessness.

Alcohol
With the same blood-alcohol level, young drivers have a higher relative risk of being involved in a fatal accident than older drivers (according to a study conducted by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation).

Drugs
The use of drugs, especially cannabis, is a reality among youth. For drivers aged between 16 and 19, driving under the influence of drugs is more common than driving under the influence of alcohol.

Speed
Young drivers are much more frequently involved in accidents where speed is a factor. In 2009, young drivers aged 16 to 24 made up 10% of licence holders, but committed 40% of speeding offences at speeds in excess of 45 km/h over the posted speed limit and 49% of speeding or reckless driving offences. From 2006 to 2010, speed was a factor in 52% of accidents involving drivers aged 16 to 24.