Safety first?

"I feel like I'm in a nightmare I wish I could wake up from - but I'm not... I do appreciate people's kindness, but no amount of messages is going to help me overcome this." These were the agonised words of Crystal Owen after she learnt of her son Harvey's death on Tuesday. Harvey was just 17 years old.

He had set off from Shropshire on Saturday evening for a camping weekend in SnowdoniaA mountainous region in northern Wales. It is called Eryri in Welsh. with three friends. A massive search was launched on Monday when they failed to return.

Their car was finally found near the village of Garreg. It had left a narrow, winding and steep road, flipped over and ended up partially submerged in a ditch.

The boys had little driving experience between them, and the weather conditions were described as "atrocious", with heavy rain and 30mph winds.

The minimum driving age varies considerably from country to country. In most European countries it is 18, though in Slovenia and Iceland it is 16.

In some parts of the US and Canada you can start learning at 14. At the other end of the spectrum, NigerA landlocked country in West Africa. It has a population of 25 million. has a minimum age of 23.

Driving licences were introduced in Britain in 1903, with 17 as the minimum age - but it was not until 1935 that you had to pass a test in order to get one.

In 1931, when there were 2.3 million motor vehicles in Britain, over 7,000 people were killed in accidents. There are now more than 10 times as many vehicles, but - thanks to improved technology and safety awareness - far fewer deaths. Nevertheless, the yearly average is still around 1,700.¹

Africa is the worst continent for road accidents, with an average of 26.6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants each year. In Europe the figure is 9.3 and in the US it is 12.9.

Many more males than females die each year in car crashes: in the US from 1975 to 2021, the number was more than double.² Men are more likely to drive very fast, not wear seat belts and drive while drunk.

Road safety is the main argument for increasing the minimum age: young drivers generally drive more recklessly than older ones. Drivers in the US between 16 and 19 have nearly three times as many fatal crashes per mile driven as those over 20.³ In the EUEuropean Union. An economic and political union of 27 countries. , though only 8% of drivers are under 30, they cause 40% of fatal crashes.⁴

Another argument is that it is better for teenagers' health if they have to walk or bike to places rather than drive.

On the other hand, not being able to drive can be a serious drawback, particularly in an emergency and in areas with poor public transport. Trying to get home alone late at night poses risks of its own.

It could also be that the number of crashes involving teenagers has less to do with age than with lack of practice. The European Commission is now proposing that everyone should be allowed to drive accompanied from 17 in order to gain experience.

There is also a worry that with an ageing population there will eventually be a shortage of drivers.

Should the driving age be increased?

Yes: A disproportionate number of fatal accidents are caused by young drivers, who are a danger to themselves, their friends and others. It is crazy that you are allowed to drive before you can vote.  

No: The boys' deaths took place in terrible conditions which would have challenged any driver. In any case, concern for the environment means fewer young people are driving than in the past.

Or... Teenagers are not always known for wise decision making, but lack of practice is also a big part. There are other suggestions, such as banning new drivers from having multiple passengers.