Young driver casualties increase on Essex roads in 2010
The number of drivers killed or seriously injured in the 17-25 years old age group in Essex increased last year compared to 2009.
Figures for 2010 reveal 132 young driver road accident casualties compared to 129 the previous year.
The group represents about 20% of the casualties in Essex where 656 drivers of all ages were killed or seriously injured.
Future road safety campaigns are now to target the age group.
Several contributory factors have been identified to link young male drivers to crashes, an Essex County Council spokesman said.
These include careless or reckless driving, aggressive behaviour, speeding, alcohol and/or drugs and poor overtaking.
Roger Walters, deputy cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "Young drivers are a key area of concern for Essex County Council, especially as they still represent 20% of killed and seriously injured figures.
"We have already reduced young driver casualties from 204 in 2007 to 132 in 2010, so we will be continuing our proactive and innovative work in order to achieve a further reduction."