Car crash survivor from Bucks urges drivers to be more cautious
It's as new data found 21% of drivers under the age of 25 to be on their phones behind the wheel
A Buckinghamshire man who suffered life-changing injuries following a crash is urging drivers to be cautious on the roads and avoid distractions.
Newly released data reveals that serious injuries and fatalities among young drivers (aged 17-24) continue to be a significant concern, with no substantial change in figures between 2022 and 2023.
Despite legislative efforts, including stricter phone usage regulations, police reports indicate that crash rates among this age group remain high.
Dean Osborne, from High Wycombe, was 26-years-old when he was involved in a collision.
While he was a passenger, he admitted to rarely wearing a seatbelt, despite wearing one on the day of his accident, which saved his life.
He said: "I never used to wear a seatbelt, but for some reason, on the day of my accident, I put it on.
"That decision saved my life, but I’m still living with the consequences of the crash."
Mr Osborne’s accident left him with a severe brain injury and several broken bones.
His slow recovery meant that after 12 years of his accident, he is now slowly starting to walk again.
He said: "It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I had to relearn how to walk, and even today, I can’t walk without a stick. But I’m grateful to be alive."
Research shows that drivers under 25 are almost twice as likely to be involved in crashes resulting in serious injury compared to those over 25.
More worryingly, a survey revealed that young drivers admit to engaging in dangerous behaviours behind the wheel.
These include speeding (26%), driving while extremely tired (23%), using a mobile phone (21%), drink or drug driving (5%), and not wearing a seatbelt (15%)
Insurance company Admiral’s claims data supports these concerns, showing that young drivers in urban areas such as Bradford, Sheffield, London, Birmingham, and Greater Manchester had the highest rates of serious injury claims in 2023.
To address this ongoing issue, Admiral has partnered with Headway, a brain injury association, to raise awareness about the consequences of dangerous driving.
Mr Osborne’s message to young drivers, like the campaign, is clear: "Wearing a seatbelt might not prevent all injuries, but it could save your life. You think nothing bad will happen to you, but it can – in just a split second."
He also emphasised the importance of avoiding distractions, particularly mobile phones, while driving.
The campaign aims to encourage families to engage in more meaningful conversations about road safety.