It’s a valid question for lots of reasons but the insurance industry data is all there on younger drivers. Fact is, the under 30s are far more likely to be involved in high speed accidents, which generally cause more serious or life-changing injuries than older drivers bumping into steel posts at Tesco car parks. Then there’s the “fronting” that the under 25s carry out using family members as the token “main driver.”
Here are some insights from Angelica Solutions for you;
Angelica Solutions has welcomed the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy as a constructive step toward safer roads. But its latest analysis suggests that younger drivers continue to account for a disproportionate number of serious casualties raising the question of whether graduated driver licensing was a missed opportunity in the package of reforms.
“It’s understandable that older drivers are under the spotlight, particularly as the driving population ages. But when we look at the absolute number of people killed or seriously injured, it’s clear that collisions involving younger drivers have far wider consequences,” comments Sarah Vaughan.
Through its own analysis of Stats 19 Government data Angelica Solutions found that in 2024, collisions involving younger drivers result in 44% more killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties than those involving older drivers. “The suggested minimum learning periods may sound sensible, but we know that real learning starts the day someone passes their test. Claim frequencies for new drivers jump significantly in month one post-test compared to provisional licence holders. We then see a marked improvement in the weeks which follow. Driving with supervision for up to six months is simply not the same as being alone behind the wheel.”
Based on 2024 Government data, Angelica Solutions found that:
- Collisions involving younger drivers led to 4,740 KSI casualties, compared to 3,300 involving older drivers – a 44% difference.
- When including all casualties (not just KSIs), the gap widens to 75%.
- Young drivers account for 12% more driver-related KSIs than older drivers (1,376 vs 1,224).
“It’s a statistical reality that younger drivers are on the roads more often, carry more passengers, and drive in a wider range of conditions. Even if older drivers have higher collision rates per mile (which is actually only true for the over 80s), younger drivers’ higher exposure results in significantly more serious casualties.”
Instead of arbitrary delays before taking a test, there is a data-led solution already in widespread use: telematics insurance. “Our research of Howden Driving Data showed a 10x difference in claim frequency between the highest and lowest scoring telematics users. It gives insurers and potentially policymakers a way to identify risk and tailor interventions.”
“Mandating telematics for newly qualified drivers (within the first two years of passing their test) could offer a practical middle ground. This would align with existing probationary rules on conviction points, while also supporting Government ambitions to reduce drink-driving and risky behaviours. It’s about giving young drivers feedback and accountability, almost like keeping the instructor or a parent in the car for those vital early months. With data, we can target support where it’s needed most.”
“This is just one example of the potential the role of insurers which remains under recognised in the road safety conversation. Despite their central position in understanding and reducing risk, their vast insight into collisions, driver behaviour and risk trends, there seems to be no drive to pool this data for the benefit of all. Their contribution could be key to shaping safer roads whether it’s through product innovation, pricing incentives, or partnerships. It’s time we recognised them as a core part of the road safety ecosystem,” concludes Sarah Vaughan.
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