GOVERNMENT data suggests that young drivers (17-24 years old) are at a much higher risk of crashing than older drivers- and now you can see which Carlisle streets have the most number of accidents involving young drivers.

According to the 2019 report from the Department for Transport, there were 27,004 young casualties (age 17-24) last year, with 244 reported deaths- and these figures don’t account for the fatalities and injuries posed to other road users and pedestrians by young drivers.

Crash Map uses police and government databases to show you exactly where ‘slight’ ‘serious’ and ‘fatal’ accidents involving young drivers have taken place in your area.

These are the Carlisle roads with the most reported accidents involving young drivers (between 2015-2019)- how many have taken place near you?

Fatal accidents involving young drivers

Between 2015-2019,  two accidents involving a young driver have resulted in a fatality.

In 2017, 18-year-old Jordan McClure died after he crashed into a bridge near Kirkandrews-on-Eden. It’s said his driving inexperience and not driving to the wet conditions of the road were contributing factors towards his death.

Another fatal accident involving a young driver took place on the A6071 between Newtown and Laversdale. In 2016, 57-year-old Alan Schofield died a collision with a VW Golf driven by a 25-year-old woman.

Carlisle roads with the most serious accidents involving young drivers
(Data between 2015-2019)

According to Crash Map, a lot of car accidents involving young drivers have occurred in the city centre.

News and Star: Car accidents involving young drivers in Carlisle (Photo: Crash Map)Car accidents involving young drivers in Carlisle (Photo: Crash Map)

Two serious incidents have taken place on Charlotte Street and one just around the corner on Nelson Bridge.

The roundabout between Castle Way, Georgian Way and Bridgewater Road has also seen a lot of accidents- six ‘slight’ accidents and one serious accident has taken place on or near this roundabout.

(Credit: Google Maps)

Another accident hotspot is on London Road where ten ‘slight’ accidents and two serious incidents involving a young driver have taken place.

The A7 between Kingstown Road and Bridgewater Road has also seen a lot of accidents over a five year period- seven slight and two serious accidents involving young drivers have taken place on this stretch of road.

What is being done to make young drivers safer?

In 2019, the Government announced plans to make young drivers safer on the roads.

A graduated driver’s license is being explored and new drivers could face limits about what they can and can’t do on the road.

Road Safety Minister Michael Ellis said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world but we are always looking at ways to make them safer.

“We want to explore in greater detail how graduated driver licensing, or aspects of it, can help new drivers to stay safe and reduce the number of.”

Edmund King, AA (British motoring association) Charitable Trust director thinks young drivers should continue to top up their driving knowledge- even after they pass their test.

He said: “It is no secret young drivers are disproportionately involved in crashes.

“Getting professional tuition can help make them safer by ensuring they get as wide a variety of experience as possible when they are learning to drive. This means having driving lessons in lots of different situations such as urban and rural roads, in daylight and in darkness and on motorways if possible.

“There is also evidence that telematic insurance products can also help encourage young drivers to drive more safely. These products ‘reward’ drivers for safe behaviour with lower premiums, and in some cases premium rebates.

“It is vital to keep driving skills topped up, especially after a break from driving. The key is to think of driving as a life skill, rather than just a test to pass.”