Automobile industry and motoring clubs join forces to address youth road safety

Over the last 30 years, Europe’s roads have become far safer despite a three-fold increase in traffic. Road transport fatalities across the EU have been reduced from above 60,000 in 2001 to around 28,000 today.

However there is still much that can be done to further improve the situation, particularly with regard to young people, who are proportionally over-represented in accident statistics.

“People aged between 15 and 24 make up one fifth of the total fatalities on the road today. We have a collective responsibility to bring this number of young victims down,” stated ACEA Secretary General Erik Jonnaert. “

Vehicle manufacturers are continuing to invest in safety technologies. However, safe vehicles need to be driven by safe drivers on safe roads to be effective,” said Jonnaert.

“Young people are too often the victim of road accidents. We must therefore engage with them to ensure that they are part of the solution. This is why we are holding this debate today, bringing together young people, the industry, motoring clubs, advocacy groups and policy makers.”

“It is by holding discussions such as this one that we can together shape a future where young people can be truly ‘mobile and safe’.”

The event, ‘Target Youth: Mobile and Safe’, examined a wide range of solutions, including the need to invest in education and awareness campaigns, improving driving skills through training, the importance of new vehicle safety technologies and the role of authorities in facilitating the creation of a safer road and driving environment.