Volvo calls on young drivers to take the lead in road safety
As Youth Day draws near, Volvo encourages young drivers to adopt safe driving practices to combat age-related accidents on our roads. A report from the Road Traffic Management Corporation revealed that 60% of road fatalities are within the 25–44-year-old age group, and it seems to be getting higher by the year. So what is causing this increasing figure, and what must we do to reverse these effects?
Driving is a skill that develops through years behind the wheel. As cars are getting safer, it seems that an increasing number of young drivers are forgetting about the dangers we face on the road. Volvo did a study in 2024 to find out how many younger drivers use seatbelts. They found that more than half of 18-24 year-olds occasionally wear their seat belts, with many choosing to never wear one.
Furthermore, road accidents are the leading cause of death in the world for people between the ages of 5 and 29, with an estimated 1.19 million fatalities a year, according to the World Health Organisation. But with such heavy risks, how does a seatbelt help reduce the risk? Well, for front passengers, WHO states that seatbelt-wearing individuals have a 40–50% lower risk of fatal injury in the event of an accident and this figure rises to 75% for rear passengers.
So why do so many youngsters take this risk? Well, this is mostly due to the lack of understanding of the risks when you get behind the wheel. As children, we received constant instruction to wear our seatbelts, but as we mature, we may lose sight of their importance. K53 also doesn't go into depth about the risks behind the wheel when you learn how to drive. According to CarTrack, it also comes down to complacency, wanting to look cool, or a false sense of familiarity, as most drivers who would risk not using a seatbelt would mostly do so close to home.
So wearing a seatbelt is imperative but often overlooked and not wearing seatbelts isn't the only issue with young driver-related accidents. Inexperience is a large factor to consider. Young drivers often lack experience and an understanding of a car's handling behaviours in fast or wet environments. Another major catalyst for accidents is cellphone-related distracted driving. Although cars can practically drive themselves nowadays, WHO states that texting, speeding, drink-driving and peer pressure are the leading causes of accidents among youngsters. Pair that with no seat belts, and, well, it’s a disaster.
Volvo's campaign to promote young drivers' safety is a topic which needs to be touched on more regularly and in greater detail. Getting your driving licence is an exciting time. It gives you the ability to roam the world on your own accord and allows youngsters sudden access to a feeling of "freedom". But Volvo is reminding these drivers that they are more than just road users. They are decision-makers, and these decisions could, sooner or later, be life-changing. Yes, cars are getting safer by the day, and Volvo has been a pioneer in road safety over the last century, with the invention of seatbelts and side-impact airbags, just to name a few. But it's up to you to drive safely and cautiously.
Even if your friends think they are sober enough to drive home after a night out, or if your BFF dropped you a message? Don’t take the risk. Yes, there is a chance you will be fine if you take a quick glance at a message, but you can’t know for sure. Cars are fun but also dangerous, and it takes years of driving to learn safe practices. So as Youth Day approaches, and you think of how you can change your community, a simple way of doing so is ensuring you and the people around you are driving with care for the betterment of your community, no matter your age. Lastly, don’t be silly and think not wearing your seatbelt is cool. It's there for a reason.
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