Young drivers 'should take care in rural areas'

Young people driving cars around rural areas have been urged to take extra care when journeying through the countryside.

This is because new research from Road Safety Analysis has shown this demographic are 37 per cent more likely to be involved in a crash when in these regions than their urban counterparts.

According to the figures, those aged between 16 and 29 years old account for 30 per cent of all collisions on the road, despite only making up 18 per cent of the overall population.

It was shown that the elevated risk may be explained by the higher average annual mileage covered by rural motorists - meaning they have much more exposure than those navigating more built-up areas.

Dan Campsall, director of Road Safety Analysis, which was formed in 2010, said measures need to be introduced to prevent youngsters traversing the countryside from being injured in a car crash.

He added: "This may require investment in transport infrastructure, community bus schemes and further driver training to affect the inequality that these drivers are experiencing."