YOUNG DRIVERS & ROAD SAFETY

If you have just passed your driving test – congratulations!

However, 16 to 24 year olds currently make up only 11% of the Humber population and only 7% of full driving license holders nationally, but account for 23% of all killed or seriously injured casualties, according to our KSI statistics. One in five newly qualified drivers have a crash within a year.

However, the accident liability is reduced by nearly half after two years of driving experience.

Remember: newly qualified drivers are still on “probation” for a period of two years; if you clock up six points or more during this period, you will lose your licence and revert to learner status again. Drivers have to retake both the theory and practical parts of the test.

The main penalty point offences are:

  • Using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving: 6 points
  • Speeding: 3-6 points
  • Going through a red light: 3 points
  • Careless driving: 3-9 points
  • Driving without insurance: 6-8 points
  • Failing to stop after an accident: 5-10 points

 

If you have six or more penalty points, you will get a letter telling you your licence is no longer valid. You should inform your insurance company immediately. You will have to apply for a new provisional licence to continue driving as a learner.

Remember, as a learner:

  • You cannot drive on the motorway
  • You must display L plates
  • You cannot drive a car unless you are accompanied by someone over 21 who has had a full driving licence for at least three years
  • You are limited to less powerful motorbikes

It doesn’t matter if you can’t yet drive, we all use the regions roads and hopefully there should be some information on here for you to help you keep yourself safe as you travel around your local area.

Walking

For many people, walking is their main transport for journeys under a mile. It is a healthy option and can be enjoyable and fun. Some people use their walking time as ‘me time’. It is recommended that adults do 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity physical activity at least five times a week. Walking or cycling your short daily trips could achieve this target and give you a range of health benefits.

However, you still need to keep yourself safe whilst walking around the region.

Think about…

  • Wear comfortable clothing and flat, well-fitting shoes.
  • Ensure the route you use is well lit and well used at the times you are walking.
  • Stay on the footpaths if there is one provided.
  • Use pedestrian crossings where possible – they are provided for your safety.
  • Brighten yourself up – consider wearing bright coloured reflective clothes or carry a reflective bag. It may not be fashionable, but it helps drivers to spot you on dark nights.
  • Don’t use headphones whilst walking – be alert and listen out for traffic while crossing the road.
  • Don’t use your mobile phone – texting or talking on the phone draws your attention away from walking.
  • You risk bumping into other pedestrians or obstacles and risk being involved in a crash when crossing the road.
  • On rural roads without footpaths, walk facing the oncoming traffic, in single file.
  • Closely supervise any younger children or pets walking with you.
  • In warmer weather, remember to take a drink with you and drink from it regularly.
  • Expect the unexpected! Don’t automatically think that a driver has seen you.

Cycling

People cycle for a whole range of reasons. It could be that it is the quickest and cheapest way for you to travel around the region, you may use your bike to keep fit, to be greener, it could be your main form of transport or just for the sheer fun of it.

Whatever the reason is that makes you get on your bike, make sure that you keep yourself safe.

Always:

  • Wear a cycle helmet.
  • Wear appropriate clothing for cycling. Avoid clothes which may get tangled in the chain or in a wheel or may obscure your lights.
  • Wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light.
  • Wear reflective clothing and / or accessories (vest, belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark. At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit.

Where to go for help…

Safer Roads Humber saferroadshumber.com

Think! road safety think.direct.gov.uk/