High cost leads to overcrowded cars
High cost leads to overcrowded cars
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Friday, 26, May 2006 08:33
The high cost of buying and running a car, whether second-hand or new, is leading to many young people dangerously overcrowding their vehicles, new research suggests.
More than a quarter of drivers aged between 18 and 25 can not afford their own car, with the struggles of first-time house buyers trying to get onto the property ladder replicated by first-time car buyers, claims provider Direct Line.
The main reason young people cannot afford to purchase their own set of wheels is low wages, with 42 per cent explaining that their salaries were insufficient to meet the cost of car.
One-fifth of first-time car buyers blame university fees for a lack of personal transport, while one in ten believes their current debt levels are too high to even consider buying a car.
This has led to over 20,000 young Britons sharing ownership of a car with friends, and although almost half think they are helping the environment by reducing road emissions, it is in fact leading to dangerous overcrowding of cars.
One fifth of young people feel "pressurised" to allow more people than is legally allowed into their car, with two-fifths admitting to having near-misses on the road because of passenger distractions.
Emma Holyer, motor spokesperson for Direct Line, said: "With fewer first time drivers owning their own car there can be increased pressure on those with one to drive all their friends around. We're calling on all drivers and especially young drivers to avoid overcrowding cars and ensure all passengers are wearing seatbelts at all times."
The majority of youngsters who do own a car were given it by their parents, Ms Holyer added.
In 2004 there were 3,221 fatalities as a result of road accidents, while almost 250,000 people were injured.