Road crashes are the number one killer of people in their teens and twenties in the UK, and second only to HIV/AIDS as a killer of young men worldwide yet research reveals that more young drivers than older drivers think they are safer drivers than others behind the wheel

The research from breakdown specialist Green Flag and national road safety charity Brake reveals that 55% aged 17-24 years think they are safer than most behind the wheel.

And although young drivers are more likely to take risks such as speeding than older drivers, only one per cent of young drivers surveyed said that they are more dangerous than most

According to the research, 69% people think there should be restrictions on young drivers such as curfews and limits on the number of young passengers allowed in the car. Despite only one-in-eight drivers being under the age of 25, this age group accounts for a quarter of all road crashes making young drivers especially at risk on the roads.

Well perhaps the first thing they should do is have a go on the simulator and possibly make that compulsory and secondary split up the licence so their get a certificate for passing the theory, another for the practical, another for motorway tuition, night driving tuition and when they have all these certificates they can claim a full licence.

Until that time they drive accompanied with a special L plate not more than 55mph and we set up a decent traffic department with the police to catch and prosecute offenders.

Job done. A driving licence is a licence to kill not thrill.

Jackie Violet