Last year alone 1,633 people died on Britain's roads - up one per cent on the year before. The government data shows 22 per cent of those who were killed in 2024 were aged between 17 and 29, while 28 per cent - 128,375 - of those hurt were in the same age group.
As part of efforts to cut deaths and injuries on the UK's roads, Road Safety Week, beginning on Sunday, November 16, aims to raise awareness of the importance of keeping safe whether behind the wheel, on in the saddle. Police Sergeant Owen Messenger from Devon and Cornwall Police teamed up with George's Car Media on TikTok to share five "essential" tips for those who have little experience at the wheel.
"Here's five bits of valuable information that you as a new or young driver on UK roads can benefit from when it comes to your car," host George began, as he introduced road safety expert and road casualty reduction officer, Sgt Messenger. George recalled his early days on the road in which his friends would "jump around" in the back of his vehicle and "take control" of his phone lead, which would prove a "massive distraction".
"I guess the advice from me would be learn to drive," Sgt Messenger explained. While that might seem like an obvious statement, he elaborated: "You are learning from the moment you pass your test - you are not automatically the best driver in the world. So learn as you go along and like George said, don't have lots of people in the car with you."
Sgt Messenger also detailed 'graduated driving licenses' - a system designed to provide new drivers with a staged approach to gaining full driving privileges.
"Graduated licences are designed to stop that kind of thing, because what we see a lot of the time is when young people are involved in collisions, it's not just one person - it's several people who are in the car."
When it comes to seatbelts, Sgt Messenger outlined the importance of wearing them. "Always do that," he said. "Driving, you have a responsibility to everybody else around you and everybody that's in your car."
He also urged new drivers not to be tempted to show off about their new freedom and ignore the Highway Code. "You've learned it, so stick with it and remember your hazard perception as well," he said. "Look at what is going on around you and try and anticipate things and allow time for that to happen and develop."
Sgt Messenger also stressed the importance of "not getting sucked into" a situation that you don't want to get involved in, instead let other things "develop around you" to allow yourself more time to deal with any potentially hazardous scenario.
George, meanwhile, emphasised the significance of carrying out vehicle checks prior to setting out on any journey. "You are responsible," he said.
"Look at your tyres, make sure they're not deflated, make sure you have some coolant, check you have enough fuel to get to your destination - it's these simple things that when you apply them to everyday driving you will not only be safer, but you will enjoy your journey of driving in the UK that much more."
