The work between policy and practice
Road safety progress depends on more than commitments. It requires sustained action, strong partnerships, and accountability to ensure that policies…
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The risks young drivers face on rural roads are easy to under-estimate. Yet the simple fact is many young drivers and their parents are unaware of the significant and specific risks these roads pose.
Research from the AA Charitable Trust, which analysed more than 70,000 young driver crashes over a six-year period, shows 71% of fatal car crashes involving young drivers take place on rural roads. This research is supported by an interactive map which shows exactly which rural roads pose the greatest danger to young drivers.
The research also found:
- July, August, October and November are the most concerning months for crashes involving young drivers on rural roads
- Proportion of crashes involving young drivers which are on Sundays is 9% higher on rural roads than on urban roads
- Single vehicle collisions account for 27% of all young driver crashes on rural roads compared to 15% for drivers of all ages.
- Substance impairment attributed to a young driver in 9% of young rural driver crashes on Sundays compared to an average of 4% on all other days
- Where are the most dangerous roads for young, rural drivers?
