Young men most dangerous road users

• 94% of death convictions against men
• 32.2% are aged 17-20
• Road safety experts call for licensing changes

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More young men than ever before are being convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, according to figures from the Ministry of Justice.

The annual Motoring Offences and Breath Test statistics document outlines the rate and range of convictions in 2005.

The statistics show that 94% of convictions for causing death by dangerous driving are against male drivers.

Male drivers aged 17-20 were also responsible for 32.2% of all convictions for causing death by dangerous driving and causing death or bodily harm, despite representing only 3% of Britain's driving population.

In addition, drivers under 21 are responsible for 15% of all UK motoring convictions, nearly three times the proportion of the driving population they represent.

Renewed call for licence overhaul
'This adds weight to urgent calls for the Government to overhaul our whole system of learning to drive,' said Cathy Keeler, head of campaigns at Brake, the road safety charity.

'We want to see a graduated driver licensing system introduced, with restrictions protecting young drivers from exposure to situations where they are most likely to crash. We cannot afford delay.'

The Government is expect to release a consultation document later this year proposing a raise in the driving age limit to 18, as well as making it illegal for new drivers to travel without another qualified driver alongside them in their first year on the roads.

Proposals also include introducing a minimum amount of driving lessons before a new driver can take their test and a zero tolerance on drink-driving in the first three years of holding a licence.

Other statistics from the Motoring Offences and Breath Test 2005 document are detailed below.

Motoring offences
• The proportion disqualified for more than one year for offences of driving after consuming alcohol or drugs has increased since 1995 from 59% to 69%;

• Cameras provided evidence for two million offences, including 88% of speeding offences;

• The number of motoring offences dealt with by police action or a penalty charge notice was down 3% at 13 million;

• The number of offences dealt with by fixed penalty notices issued by the police (including traffic wardens) was down 4% at 3.2 million. In addition, 7.6 million penalty charge notices were issued by local authority parking attendants.

Breath tests
• 607,000 breath tests were carried out, 5% more than in 2004;

• The number of positive or refused tests rose by 1% from 103,000 to 104,000;

• The proportion of positive or refused tests was 17%, 1% fewer than in 2004.