Bid to reduce young driver deaths

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Scotland's police forces have been staging a national day of action in a bid to cut the number of young drivers killed or injured in car accidents.

According to the latest statistics, 32 young people were killed on the roads in the first three months of 2007.

The campaign kicks off a week of events by Scotland's eight police forces which coincides with the United Nations Road Safety Week, running from 23-29 April.

Road accidents are the second biggest cause of death among the under-25s.

Tayside Chief Constable John Vine, chair of the road policing business area for the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos) said the project was an important way to raise awareness of the problem among the 17 to 25 age group.

Unacceptably high

He said: "While road safety throughout Scotland has improved dramatically during the past decade, the number of younger drivers and child passengers killed or seriously injured is still unacceptably high.

"In the first three months of this year, 32 young people under 25 have been killed on our country's roads."

During the 24-hour day of action, Scottish police forces are turning their attention to young drivers suspected of using drink and drugs. Young drivers who speed or fail to wear a seatbelt will also be targeted.

"It is hoped that the actions resulting from both the Acpos-focused day-long and the UN-backed week-long campaigns will not only benefit road users of all ages but particularly the under 25-year-olds," Mr. Vine added.

Among those also taking part in the campaign are The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Road Safety Scotland, the Institute of Road Safety Officers and the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland.