Most people support tougher rules for new drivers, new research shows
- Apr 15
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 16
Every year in Britain, 4,740 people are killed or seriously injured in a crash involving a young driver aged 17–24. New research suggests this is something that affects far more people than many might think - and that there is strong public support for doing more to prevent it.
The study, carried out by Brake and based on a survey by OnePoll, asked 3,000 adults across the UK about their experiences and views.
More than a third (35%) said they have been involved in a crash with a young driver, or know someone who has. Among 18- to 24-year-olds, that rises to more than half (54%).
Ross Moorlock, CEO of Brake, the road safety charity, and campaigner, Dr Ian Greenwood, spoke about the findings on BBC Breakfast this morning (April 15, 2026), bringing the issue to a national audience.
Dr Greenwood, whose 12-year-old daughter Alice was killed in a crash caused by a young driver in 2008, explained why newly qualified drivers can be more at risk. He told presenters, Jon Kay and Sally Nugent:
“For a young person with a developing brain, the voice that says, ‘oh, let's do something daft’, is quite loud. And that voice that says, ‘oh, don't really do that’, is quite quiet. So that's not blaming the young drivers, that's just saying that's what neurophysiology is saying."
Explaining what the main risks for new drivers are, he said:
"It is about the passengers and it is about unfamiliar driving conditions, nighttime, unfamiliar environments, places where people haven't driven before.”
The programme also featured three mothers from the West Midlands who lost their children in crashes. Leanne Vaughan, Crystal Owen and Sue Evans are now campaigning for changes to the law.
The research also found that many people feel uneasy about the risks. Almost six in ten (59%) said they worry that they or someone they love could be involved in a crash with a young driver.
At the same time, there is strong backing for change. More than three-quarters (77%) of people said they would support a tougher licensing system for new drivers, and 72% believe it is essential to help save lives.
Many also want politicians to do more. Around two-thirds (68%) said they would like their MP to take further action to reduce crashes involving young drivers.
Ross Moorlock, CEO of Brake, said:
“Public opinion is on our side. It’s time for the Government to listen, step up and take action to tackle unacceptable death and injury.”
Evidence from other countries shows that phased licensing systems can help reduce crashes by allowing young drivers to gain experience gradually, while avoiding the highest-risk situations early on.
