IZAZOVI SIGURNOSTI NOVIH VOZAČA
SAFETY CHALLENGES OF NEW DRIVERS

Summary/Abstract: New, young drivers aged 18 to 24 are more likely to be killed on the roads than older participants, despite continued improvements in road safety. The risks are particularly high for young male drivers. The high risk of crashes is caused by a variety of factors. Biological and social changes are leading to increased social activity among young people and are influencing their lifestyles and perceptions of road risks. Due to their lack of driving experience, they are less able to anticipate and react to hazards of which they are less aware. A range of distractions affect young drivers’ attention and concentration, particularly at night and on weekends. They are more exposed to the influence of alcohol, drugs, peer pressure and distractions, particularly from mobile devices. Young drivers tend to drive smaller and older vehicles, which are less reliable and often do not have new safety technologies. Seatbelt use, especially in the back seat, is also low among young drivers. The number of young driver fatalities remains unacceptably high in all countries. This paper explains why the number of young road users killed is high and suggests main groups of measures and activities that can contribute to further improving their safety.

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