Common causes of road crashes among younger drivers

Other common risk factors for road crashes in younger drivers are:

* speeding: this is the biggest killer of young drivers

* distraction: this includes the effects of passengers talking and texting on mobile phones

* driving at night: this includes fatigue and factors like reduced vision

* type of vehicle: young drivers who share their parents’ cars are less risky on the road. So it’s a good idea to delay the purchase of your teenage child’s own car if possible

* alcohol use: compared to older drivers, young drivers are less likely to drink and drive and to drink less if they do drink and drive. But when they do drink and drive, their risk of crashing is higher.