The figure, taken from 2009 statistics reveal that drivers in the 17-24 age bracket are most at risk on the roads. Whilst this age group of drivers accounts for only an eighth of licence holders, 25% of death or serious injury accidents involve young drivers. Brake, the road safety charity, is calling for a graduated licence scheme for new drivers, whereby they gain motoring skills over a period of time.

2800 youngsters aged between 14 and 25 were asked to complete the survey. The results showed that:

56% had been a passenger in a vehicle that was doing over 40mph in a 30mph speed limit

23% have been involved in road racing, whether as a driver or passenger

10% had overtaken without knowing what was in front of the vehicle

Brake is calling for the introduction of a Graduated Driver Licensing scheme, such as those run in New Zealand, where young drivers learn over an extended period of time. They have been shown to reduce casualties. 43% of people that die in accidents that involve speeding are aged between 16 and 25.

The system uses accelerometers to detect patterns such as overly tight turns, hard acceleration and braking and includes a system of warning light to tell drivers when they should adjust their driving style. Trials involving 50 Staffordshire young drivers revealed that when the warning lights were switched on the number of unsafe driving events halved. The technology could be integrated into the latest phone technology.