This paper presents the results of a study into characteristic young driver accidents. The aim was to bundle the information from the research institutes in the member states of the European Union by using a questionnaire. Information was received from all but one country. All countries report a high proportion of young driver accidents with the exception of Ireland. Both males and females are frequently involved in accidents, but the problem is greater with the young male. Especially the week-end night accidents are typical young driver accidents. The 'single accident' is also a typical young driver accident that decreases with age and experience. In comparison with older drivers, young drivers are under-represented in alcohol accidents. Only in the week-end nights, they tend to be over-represented in alcohol accidents. Young driver accidents are often characterized by driving too fast for the prevailing conditions. Young drivers get more often involved in the more serious accidents. Speed is directly related to the seriousness of the accident. It was concluded that an analysis on which a European policy can be based cannot provided due to the limitations of the information. Yet, there are many comparable characteristics between the countries, which might provide a scope for a European policy.
Abstract