Attitudes to alcohol consumption are changing among young drivers

The news that more pre- and early-teens are abstaining from alcohol and drug taking is welcome news for motorists, as hopefully, the trend will continue as these youngsters grow into young drivers. One of the major reasons car insurance for young drivers is more expensive than for more experienced motorists is the high rate of teenagers who are involved in or cause car accidents. Surely, if fewer young drivers are choosing to drink alcohol, then the number of drink driving accidents could be reduced in the future.

Youngsters and alcohol &ndash: The Statistics
Figures from the NHS Information Centre, released in July 2011, revealed a falling trend in alcohol consumption among 11 to 15-year-olds. Between 2009 and 2010 the number of those who admitted to having tried alcohol fell from 51% to 45%.

The survey cohort consisted of 7,296 pupils coming from 246 different schools. The NHS study showed that the number of 11 to 15-year-olds who had consumed alcohol in the week immediately before they were polled fell from a record peak of 26% in 2001 to 13% in 2010.

Attitudes towards drinking also appeared to be altering. In 2003, 46% of respondents said it was "okay" for someone their age to drink alcohol, while in 2010 the figure fell to 32%.

Tim Straughan, chief executive of the NHS Information Centre, said, "Our figures point to an increasingly intolerant attitude among young people in today's society when it comes to the use of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs.

"As well as a reduction in the percentage who say they partake in these behaviours; a shrinking number think that drinking and drunkenness are acceptable among their peers."

However, in August, Police statistics were published which revealed a 15% increase in the number of young drivers committing drink driving offences or refusing to take a breath test.

John Franklin, a spokesperson for the RAC, said, "The percentage rise in the number of people caught drink-driving is very concerning – particularly amongst younger drivers."

The 2011 RAC Report on Motoring had previously revealed that 23% of drivers aged under 25 had driven when they suspected they were over the limit. The figure for all ages of motorists was 16%.

The rise in numbers of young drink drivers was attributed to a major cut in Government funding for road safety campaigns.

Franklin added, "The fear is that these figures are showing that the cuts in Government road safety campaigns are causing more drivers to risk driving under the influence.

"The dangers of drink-driving need to be continually spelt out by Government, in order to prevent a generation from thinking it's acceptable."

Car insurance for young drivers who take their road behaviour seriously
Hopefully, the trend in young people abstaining from or being more aware of the affects of drinking and drunkenness will translate into reduced numbers of young drink drivers in the future.

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