Getting a driver’s license can be one of the most electrifying experiences for teens becoming young adults. It is also a very dangerous time of their life. In Britain it is estimated that more than 3000 car drivers under the age of 25 are killed or severely injured in an accident. Becoming aware of the facts will help you establish limits with your own children to prevent them to coming to harm on the roads.

18 years olds are 3 times more likely then 45 year old drivers to get into an accident. This is because at such a young age young drivers simply don’t have the experience to think clearly in hazardous situations. Even if they drive safely it does not mean that others on the road are being just as cautious. A major part of becoming a better driver is not only watching out for yourself but others on the road - which is nigh impossible for young drivers!

A good way of controlling their driving habits comes in the form of young driver insurance from Coverbox. You only pay for the miles you drive as this is PAYD (Pay as you drive) insurance. By making the mileage rate far higher for the most dangerous driving period - between 11pm and 6am - it not only helps them drive safer but also keeps their insurance costs down.

Lack of experience is not the sole thing that differentiates between youngsters and older drivers. Attitude has a large role to play in careless driving. Young people, especially men, are often over confident in their driving powers, more than they should be, and take unnecessary risks because they think they can handle it. Statistically, if a young driver has friends in the car with them they are twice as likely to attempt hazardous driving to make an impression. Sudden wheel movements, attempting to overtake in dangerous situations and excessive speed are all feats that young drivers attempt. It’s men who are two times as likely to attempt these manouvers. A third of them will have an accident within two years of passing the driving test.

However young drivers are not entirely to blame. Parents and role models set the standards through their own driving practices.It is up to us to show them the correct way to handle hazardous driving situations. Try and set firm limits with your own children and then hold them to them as it’s their own safety and future that they are risking.