London firefighters highlight road traffic collision risks for young drivers

Firefighters in London raise concerns ahead of summer break

London Fire Brigade has issued a warning to young drivers in the capital following a rise in road traffic collision fatalities in Croydon.

According to the Brigade, firefighters have rescued over 900 people from road traffic collisions in London since 2020.

In the first half of 2025, two people were killed in road collisions in Croydon, marking the first road traffic fatalities in the borough since 2020.

The Brigade cited figures from the Department for Transport indicating that men aged 17–29 in London are more likely to die in road traffic collisions than any other age group.

Transport for London recorded 3,696 people killed or seriously injured in road collisions in 2024, with speed noted as a contributing factor in 50 percent of fatal cases.

Demonstration gives students hands-on experience

As part of its road safety education work, Croydon Fire Station hosted a practical demonstration for students from Carshalton College.

The activity was designed to simulate a rescue from a road traffic collision and was supported by London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police Service.

Firefighters used the opportunity to highlight risks associated with poor driving decisions and involved students in a scenario where their college vehicle mechanics teacher was rescued from a car.

Students also engaged in activities that illustrated how drugs and alcohol can impair hazard perception and discussed the role of weather warnings, mechanical faults and vehicle upkeep.

London Fire Brigade explained that the session aimed to help students understand both the physical consequences of collisions and the broader responsibilities associated with being a driver.

Risk factors affecting young drivers

According to the Brigade, inexperience and peer pressure increase the likelihood of injury and death for young drivers.

Station Officer Daniel Foster said: “Once schools and colleges break for summer, many young people will be thinking about learning to drive or planning more journeys with their friends, but it’s important to make sure that they do so safely.”

He added: “Young drivers are the most at risk of being killed or seriously injured on our roads. Even if you’re moving slowly, your car can kill a pedestrian or cyclist.

“In addition, research has shown that young people are more likely to show off and pay less attention to the road when they drive with their friends.

“This event provided students with the opportunity to sit in the driving seat and understand what it could be like if they are in a road traffic collision. These activities can help them to understand their responsibilities on the roads and encourage them to drive safely.”

Fatal four causes of collisions

The Brigade has reiterated four primary causes of serious injury and death on the roads, often referred to as the ‘fatal four’.

It stated that speeding, distractions, failing to wear a seatbelt, and driving under the influence are persistent and avoidable risks.

It explained that exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for the conditions is illegal and dangerous.

Distractions such as mobile phone use and loud music can limit a driver’s awareness and cause loss of control.

Not wearing a seatbelt, even on short journeys, is against the law and increases the risk of injury during a collision.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offence and can result in fines, licence penalties, or imprisonment.

Collaborative safety efforts

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that its event at Croydon Fire Station was delivered in coordination with London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police Service.

It said the event is part of wider efforts to improve road safety through education and engagement with younger age groups.

The Brigade noted that practical involvement and real-world demonstrations are key to communicating the risks of driving under challenging conditions.

Through such activities, emergency services aim to reduce preventable incidents and promote compliance with traffic laws.

Educational outreach will continue across the summer period, focusing on regions where young driver risk is higher.

London firefighters highlight road traffic collision risks for young drivers: Summary

London Fire Brigade has warned young drivers about road safety ahead of the 2025 summer holidays.

Firefighters have rescued over 900 people from road collisions in London since 2020.

Two road traffic deaths occurred in Croydon in early 2025, the first since 2020.

The Department for Transport states that men aged 17–29 are most at risk in London.

Transport for London recorded 3,696 serious or fatal injuries in 2024.

Speed was a contributing factor in half of all fatal collisions in 2024.

Croydon Fire Station held a road safety demonstration for Carshalton College students.

Firefighters simulated a rescue and ran interactive driving safety activities.

Station Officer Daniel Foster said young drivers must understand their responsibilities.

The ‘fatal four’ collision causes are speeding, distractions, no seatbelt and driving under influence.

Driving under the influence is a criminal offence with legal consequences.

The London Fire Brigade partnered with London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police.

The Brigade will continue its youth engagement on road safety throughout summer 2025.