New drivers are more than twice as likely to be involved in a crash during their first year on the road compared with more experienced motorists, with experts now calling for new road safety laws.
Research found that 11 per cent of motorists make a collision claim in their first 12 months of driving, compared with only five per cent of drivers with more than a year of experience making a similar claim.
The findings by insurer Aviva highlighted the risks faced by young and inexperienced drivers as they begin driving on their own.
Telematics insurance, often known as "black box" cover, can help monitor how safe new drivers are behind the wheel and help them save money.
Collision claims among telematics customers fell by almost 50 per cent during their policy term, compared with a reduction of around 30 per cent among drivers with standard cover.
Telematics policies track driving behaviour, including speed, braking, cornering and mobile phone use, with drivers receiving personalised feedback designed to help them reduce risky behaviour.
Aviva also found that more than half of motorists who received the poorest driving scores later improved after being given advice.
Owen Morris, CEO of UK Personal Lines at Aviva, said too many lives continue to be lost because of inexperience and unsafe driving habits.
Experts have called on the Government to mandate black boxes in newly qualified drivers' cars
| GETTYHe said: "While numbers have fallen, that number is still too high, leaving families devastated at the loss of loved ones."
Mr Morris said accidents are most likely to happen during a driver's first year on the road and argued that telematics can provide valuable support during this period.
Aviva is now calling on the Government to make telematics insurance mandatory for all drivers aged 17 to 24 during their first year on the road.
The insurer is also urging ministers to remove Insurance Premium Tax from telematics policies for young drivers during their first year, which it warned could make cover more affordable.
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Young drivers are more at risk of road fatalities than any other age group | GETTYPublic support for the idea appears strong, with almost three-quarters of surveyed drivers agreeing that telematics should be compulsory for young drivers. Among 17 to 24-year-olds, six in 10 backed the proposal.
Aviva stated how wider use of telematics could help improve driving standards, cut collisions and make Britain's roads safer for all motorists.
Mr Morris described the technology as a "virtual coach" that monitors driving habits and helps motorists identify risky behaviour.
He added: "As the Government consults on road safety, we'd urge them to consider making telematics a central part of new driver education and training. Making our roads safer for everyone and supporting young drivers must be a priority."
The consultation will look at the effectiveness of black box monitors in vehicles | GETTYIn 2024, 4,740 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions involving drivers aged between 17 and 24, accounting for around one in five of all people killed or seriously injured in car crashes.
Despite making up just seven per cent of UK licence holders, young drivers are involved in a disproportionate number of serious incidents.
Official data also suggested that younger drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviour.
Speeding, driving too fast for road conditions and aggressive driving are all more commonly linked to serious crashes involving younger motorists.