Young driver safety in focus as UK fire service targets top 3 crash risks
Iain Hoey
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Young driver safety campaign launched in UK
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has teamed up with that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to launch a campaign on young driver safety.
The campaign coincides with the National Roads Partnerships young driver awareness fortnight from 22 September to 5 October 2025.
According to NFCC, the ‘Top 3’ campaign highlights three leading risks for 17-24 year olds: passing driving tests with limited experience, late-night driving, and distractions from peer passengers.
The campaign encourages both young drivers and those who support them to discuss these risks and take practical measures to reduce them.
NFCC explained that young drivers are over-represented in fatal and serious collisions. In Great Britain, 19% of car driver fatalities in 2022 were aged 17-24.
Fire service data and guidance on young driver safety
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service attends about 850 collisions each year in its area.
Its Road Safety Team said that small adjustments in driving habits can reduce the likelihood of serious crashes.
Annabelle Priest, Road Safety Lead at the Service, said: “Many collisions involving young drivers are preventable.
“The Top 3 campaign is designed to make people aware of the risks and encourage safer driving decisions – whether that’s planning journeys in advance, avoiding late-night driving, or managing potential distractions from passengers.”
The Service advises taking at least six months to learn to drive and gaining experience in different conditions before passing the test.
It also recommends avoiding driving between 11pm and 6am when drivers are more tired and visibility is lower.
Calls for post-test protection licensing
NFCC said it is supporting calls for a post-test protection scheme across England, Scotland and Wales.
Such a scheme would encourage wider driving practice before the test and restrict high-risk driving situations after passing.
These restrictions could include limits on late-night driving or carrying several passengers of similar age.
Dan Quin, Road Safety and Road Rescue Lead at NFCC and Chief Fire Officer for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Too many young lives are lost on our roads each year, and we know that inexperience, late-night driving, and the presence of similar age passengers are the biggest risks for new drivers.
“The ‘Top 3’ campaign gives families and young people clear, practical steps they can take to help stay safe.
“NFCC continues to call on Government to consult on post-test protection licensing, which would provide young drivers with the chance to gain experience more gradually while reducing exposure to the riskiest situations.
“Until then, campaigns like this are vital to raising awareness and saving lives.”
Expert perspective on young driver risk
Dr Neale Kinnear, international expert in driver behaviour for Affective Mobility, commented on the risks for new drivers.
Dr Kinnear said: “No matter how confident they feel, all new drivers are at greater risk of being in a crash.
“You simply cannot shortcut the process of gaining on-road experience – it takes time and exposure to different situations.
“That’s why it’s vital for supervising adults to talk with young drivers about how to manage their exposure to the biggest risks when first licensed.
“This campaign is important because its core principles – increasing learner practice and setting limits on similar-age passengers and late-night driving – are backed by decades of road safety research.
“They are proven ways to keep new drivers safe during their first critical months on the road.”
Practical steps for families and young drivers
NFCC said other steps to reduce risks include family agreements during the first three to six months after passing the test.
Such agreements could limit new drivers to one peer-age passenger.
It also advised parents and caregivers to offer lifts to groups of friends where possible.
The campaign also stresses the importance of planning journeys in advance and considering alternatives to high-risk trips.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The campaign has direct relevance for fire and rescue services which frequently respond to collisions involving young drivers.
Road safety education campaigns can reduce the frequency and severity of incidents requiring fire service intervention.
Professionals in the fire and safety sector can use this information to support community safety programmes and to promote public awareness.
By engaging with young drivers and their families, fire services can play a role in reducing the risks associated with inexperience, late-night driving, and peer distractions.
Young driver safety campaign launched in UK: Summary
NFCC has reported that Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service launched the ‘Top 3’ campaign on young driver safety.
The campaign coincides with the National Roads Partnerships awareness fortnight between 22 September and 5 October 2025.
The campaign highlights three risks for 17-24 year olds: inexperience, late-night driving, and peer distractions.
Young drivers accounted for 19% of car driver fatalities in Great Britain in 2022.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service attends about 850 collisions each year in its region.
Annabelle Priest of the Service said the campaign is designed to raise awareness and encourage safer decisions.
The Service recommends longer learning periods and avoiding driving at night.
NFCC is supporting calls for a post-test protection scheme in England, Scotland and Wales.
Dan Quin of NFCC said the scheme would help new drivers gain experience while reducing exposure to risks.
Dr Neale Kinnear of Affective Mobility said gaining driving experience cannot be shortened and requires time and practice.
Other measures include family agreements and parental support for safer journeys.
The campaign is backed by decades of road safety research.
NFCC said the campaign provides families with practical steps to reduce risks.
The initiative is part of wider efforts to improve road safety for young drivers.
For more information, the public is directed to the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service website.