Accidents on slippery roads by young drivers skyrocket

The annual number of traffic-related accidents is up to six times higher for drivers under 20 years, while young people are especially concerned about driving on slippery roads, reports a survey.

According to the findings of the survey conducted by Pohjola Insurance, drivers less than 25 years of age are involved in accidents, especially during the winter months, said the insurance company in a press release on Monday.

Young people are more concerned about slippery roads than other age groups. Completing a slippery driving course boosts confidence for winter driving.

Pohjola Insurance’s statistics indicate that compared to the previous year, road accidents involving under 25-year-olds increased in 2019 by 10 per cent in proportion to the insurance portfolio.

Between November and March, drivers under the age of 25 have 30 per cent more traffic-related accidents than during the summer months.

“Road accidents involving young drivers are increasing alarmingly. According to our statistics, [insurance] policyholders under 20 have six times more road accidents per year than those who are only a little bit older, between 20 and 25 years,” said Pohjola Insurance Motor Vehicle Insurance Product Director Mikko Pöyhönen.

More driving licences are being granted to 17-year-olds, and since 2018 the number of 17-year-olds has increased in the group of 17–19-year-olds granted a B driving licence. In October 2020, 17-year-olds already accounted for approximately 30 per cent of drivers granted a B driving licence.

“Over a third of the young people consider slippery roads as a risk. There seems to be reason for concern, if you consider the number of accidents involving young drivers,” said Pöyhönen.

Completing the slippery driving course seems to be the most efficient way to be prepared for slippery conditions.

Driving practice tracks estimate that since the legislative reform of 2018, which gave the option of practising in a simulator instead of on a practice track, the slippery driving practice done in driving schools has decreased by as much as 75 per cent.