Young driver vulnerability behind the wheel is being highlighted again this month.

Research by the AA shows that they are significantly over-represented in fatal crashes on December nights.

As the party season peaks, the nights are dark and the weather poor; the odds are not good for young drivers.

Party time

The analysis is being released to coincide with the Christmas party season.

It shows that young drivers (17-20) were involved in a fifth (19%) of night-time fatal collisions last December.

This is particularly depressing because this age group makes up just 2.4% of licence holders.

Peer pressures

Socialising creates huge temptations for drivers of any age to get behind the wheel after consuming.

Alcohol, or being impaired by drugs, the temptation can be greater in December, around Christmas and New Year festive socialising.

Many head out in the evening to pubs, bars and restaurants for Christmas socialising, and while many don’t intend to drink or drug drive, gambling with the risks can all too easily become easier.

The temptation to have a drink, social pressures, and the practical realities of getting home can all easily take over rational thinking.

Skewed proportions

Overall, drunk drivers are involved in nearly a fifth (18%) of all fatalities on our roads, according to official statistics.

This equates to an estimated 280 fatal drink-drive collisions in 2022, the highest level since 2009.

Impairment by drugs is listed in 6.2% of fatal collisions.

Often, there is a combination of both in the system of these crash drivers.

Alternative choices

An AA/Yonder poll shows many drivers are now turning to zero-alcohol options to avoid drink driving.

More than four-fifths (83%) said the range of zero-alcohol drinks now means there is no excuse for drink driving.

One-third of drivers say they regularly turn to zero-alcohol drinks when they are the designated drivers.

Despite these changes in alternative products available to drivers, the temptations remain strong.

This is believed to be reinforced by the knowledge that the number of traffic police on the road has reduced dramatically over the last decade, reducing the risk of getting caught drunk or drug driving.

Education remains key, especially for younger drivers who lack experience and are naturally more likely to ignore risk factors.

The risk

Edmund King, Director of the AA Charitable Trust, said: “Young drivers are involved in a significant percentage of fatal crashes on December nights – which may point to a link with driving home after a Christmas drink.

“The December party season can be a dangerous cocktail for drivers who choose to mix drinking and driving.

“There is no excuse to drink and drive, especially with the rise of alcohol-free drinks available. Organise a lift, designate a driver, take a taxi or public transport, or choose a zero-alcohol drink – the options are there.

“Every year, lives are lost because of drunk and drugged drivers. Whether it’s late at night, or the morning after a heavy night, drivers should be aware of the risks and ensure they do not get behind the wheel if they have been drinking.”

Penalties

A drink-driving conviction can result in up to 14 years’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and two years’ disqualification from driving.

Drivers who are caught tailgating or hogging the middle lane can be issued with a fixed penalty notice.