NEWS COPY – WITH INFOGRAPHICS AND VIDEO
Young UK drivers are more likely than other Europeans to have a car accident after being distracted by an attractive pedestrian, according to a major new study.
A poll of 6,500 18- to 24-year-old motorists in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Britain revealed Italians are most likely to make mobile calls while at the wheel.
Young Germans are most likely to speed or have been involved in a car crash. And Spaniards in that age group are most likely to take risks when giving lifts to friends.
The survey was conducted by Ford to coincide with their Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) scheme, offering free young driver training at ExCel London from November 18 – 20.
In those five countries, 43 per cent of the target age group have texted while driving, 36 per cent have used their mobiles and one in ten has admitted watching videos or TV shows while at the wheel.
Almost six in ten have exceeded speeds limits, 16 per cent have driven without their seatbelts and 13 per cent have admitted drink-driving.
Ford carried out the project following research which shows that worldwide, car crashes are the leading cause of death among young people.
In Europe, 18- to 24-year-olds account for eight per cent of the total population but 15 per cent of all those killed in road accidents
DSFL manager Jim Graham said: “Too many young adults are dying in car crashes caused by a combination of inexperience and poor decision-making.
“It is crucial that we find the right way to reach young people with these very important messages and to ensure that as many drivers as possible have the opportunity to benefit from DSFL training.”
Four in ten admitted they take more risks when they are driving friends, but almost 60 per cent said they take fewer risks when they have their parents or grandparents in the car.
Over 40 per cent admitted they would be tempted to drive a car overloaded with friends, 25 per cent to accept a lift from someone they knew had been drinking, and 24 per cent to drive after taking drugs.
The majority of young driver fatalities involve young men, and the Ford survey confirms they are more likely to engage in risky behaviour.
Young men are three times as likely as young women to be distracted by attractive pedestrians, 25 per cent have been stopped by police compared with 16 per cent of women and they are more likely to speed, use mobile phones while driving, and drink drive.
First launched 13 years ago, Ford DSFL offers hands-on training throughout Europe and by the end of this year it will have trained more than 20,000 drivers across 13 countries.
Classes cover hazard recognition, vehicle handling, and speed and space management, the risks posed by drinking and driving, driving after taking drugs, and taking selfies – after a 2014 survey by Ford showed that one in four young drivers had taken a selfie at the wheel.
UK
48 per cent exceeded speed limit
36 per cent sent or read a text while behind the wheel
28 per cent have answered a phone call without handsfree and 23% have initiated a phone call without handsfree
17 per cent driven without wearing their seatbelts
20 per cent say they would be tempted to drive home from a party where they have had more than 3 drinks
17 per cent say they would be tempted to live stream their favorite TV show while driving, rather than miss it
France
62 per cent exceeded speed limit
56 per cent sent or read a text while behind the wheel
42 per cent have answered a phone call without handsfree and 39% have initiated a phone call without handsfree
12 per cent driven without wearing their seatbelts
26 per cent say they would be tempted to drive home from a party where they have had more than 3 drinks
15 per cent say they would be tempted to live stream their favorite TV show while driving, rather than miss it
Italy
59 per cent exceeded speed limit
44 per cent sent or read a text while behind the wheel
44 per cent taken calls without handsfree
21 per cent driven without wearing their seatbelts
26 per cent say they would be tempted to drive home from a party where they have had more than 3 drinks
13 per cent say they would be tempted to live stream their favorite TV show while driving, rather than miss it
Spain
53 per cent exceeded speed limit
30 per cent sent or read a text while behind the wheel
29 per cent have answered a phone call without handsfree and 24% have initiated a phone call without handsfree
13 per cent driven without wearing their seatbelts
30 per cent say they would be tempted to drive home from a party where they have had more than 3 drinks
19 per cent say they would be tempted to live stream their favorite TV show while driving, rather than miss it
Germany
67 per cent have exceeded the speed limit
44 per cent have sent or read a text message while behind the wheel
40 per cent have answered a phone call without handsfree and 37% have initiated a phone call without handsfree
19 per cent have reported driving without wearing a seatbelt
18 per cent say they would be tempted to drive home from a party where they have had more than 3 drinks
15 per cent say they would be tempted to live stream their favorite TV show while driving, rather than miss it
ENDS
