Speeding and risky behaviour increased the casualties among the 17-year-olds in the road accidents during the recent period, said police in a press release on Friday.
An age exemption permit entitling to a category B driving licence at the age of 17 should be granted for genuinely exceptional cases, not routinely to young people.
Statistics showed a worrying trend in road traffic deaths among 17-year-olds.
In 2019 to 2024, thirteen people of 17-year-old of passenger cars and vans died in traffic, while in the previous six-year period 2013 to 2018 there was only one such death.
Deaths among 17-year-olds have become clearly more common especially in motoring – there is no similar increase in other modes of transport.
A total of 34 people of 17-year-olds died in road traffic between 2019 and 2024, while between 2013 and 2018 the corresponding number was 20.
At the same time, traffic offences committed by 17-year-olds have increased rapidly in recent years and are already approaching the level of traffic offences committed by those aged 18 to 20 years, taking into account the size of the age groups.
Offences that cause traffic hazard are typically related to speeding and are particularly highlighted among adolescents.
Speeding is also a key factor in fatal traffic accidents among young people.
According to the Finnish Crash Data Institute, almost half of all fatal traffic accidents involve excessive speeding in all age groups.
Risky behaviour by adolescents often stems from immaturity, bad attitudes and social pressure.
A small but dangerous risk group causes a disproportionately big share of all serious accidents.
The situation could be improved by means such as limiting the exemption driving licence to actual special situations, imposing a ban on driving at night, limiting the number of passengers and requiring an experienced co-driver, said police.
Driving health and relevant criminal history should also be taken into account when granting the right to drive.
Safe traffic does not only come from traffic rules – it requires caring and a culture where safety prevails over hurry and the desire to show off.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
