Newly qualified drivers are urged to drive safely with Deadly Mates campaign

Young people who have recently passed their driving test and have secured their car insurance for newly qualified drivers usually can't wait to venture out onto the roads to explore their new-found freedom.

However, road safety experts say that some young drivers' road behaviour is no longer affected by educational driving programmes as it is believed that gory images of mangled car crash wreckage is no longer an effective deterrent for young motorists who drive dangerously.

As a result, the Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership launched the Deadly Mates campaign in 2011.

The Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership consists of representatives from 22 authorities, four police forces, a Magistrates' Court and the Welsh Assembly Government. The partnership brought together vast experience to attempt to make roads safer. Their statistics show that 1,115 young people aged between 17 and 24 were involved in a fatal or serious accident between 2008 and 2010.

Deadly Mates aims to change young drivers' attitudes by targeting their peers to persuade them to slow down. The campaign was devised to encourage aspirations all young people have, such as going to university, starting a dream career or going travelling.

The campaign highlights the importance of young drivers understanding the dangers of bad driving and it has been backed by The DVLA and Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Deadly Mates reflects that young people need to be aware that their lives can be taken in an instant if their driver is speeding and that peer pressure can be utilised to persuade motorists not to speed.

DVLA statistics show that during 2010 the greatest amount of driving licences which were revoked was among 18 to 19-year-olds – nearly 4,000 were taken. The Deadly Mates campaign hopes to improve the safety of Welsh roads and encourage young people to take the responsibility which comes with driving much more seriously. Although young drivers may be unaffected by shock tactics, their friends may be able to make them think more carefully about their actions.

Finding car insurance for young drivers

If you have recently passed your driving test you will be well aware that annual premiums for young drivers can be very expensive. However, you could reduce the cost with insurethebox.

We fit a Clear Box in your car and then we use telematics technology to monitor your driving habits. If you are a considerate and responsible driver you could be well suited to telematics insurance.

To find out more about car insurance for newly qualified drivers from insurethebox speak to someone on our team by calling 0333 123 1308 or alternatively, by clicking our Get a Quote button.