Police issue tips for Herefordshire's young drivers

6:20pm Sunday 23rd November 2008

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Young drivers are being urged by police to stay safe on the roads this winter and take some simple steps to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.

Figures from West Mercia Constabulary show that the percentage of young drivers (those aged between 17 and 25) involved in collisions where at least one person is killed or seriously injured has increased annually since 2005. So far in 2008, young drivers account for almost one third of all such collisions in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

Chief Inspector Andy Udall in the Strategic Road Policing Unit at West Mercia Constabulary, said: “There are steps that young drivers can take to reduce the risks and make themselves safer on the roads, especially in the winter months where there are more adverse weather conditions.

“Many young drivers buy small cars with low powered engines which take on totally different handling characteristics when fully loaded with passengers.

"Braking and cornering are affected and if tyre pressure is not adjusted the increased weight in the vehicle can change the vehicle’s overall handling.

"It is therefore important for drivers to be aware of the different handling characteristics of their cars whilst carrying passengers and make sure the car’s tyre pressures are adjusted.

“Speed is also another consideration. It is important to drive at an appropriate speed for the prevailing road and weather conditions.

"Slowing down reduces the risk of a driver losing control of the vehicle. It also gives them a greater chance of correctly observing other road users and anticipating their next move.”