OVER 3,000 pupils from schools around Edinburgh have attended a summit which aims to warn young people of the risks inherent in becoming a new driver.
Workshops and presentations were delivered by the City of Edinburgh Council and partner organisations like Digby Brown, Edinburgh Corn Exchange, British Transport Police, Lothian Buses, Police Scotland, the Scottish Ambulance Service, and the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.
Stats show 17–25-year-old drivers are far more likely to be involved in accidents than older drivers, making up just 10% of licence holders, but more than 20% of collisions.
The event, which took place at the Corn Exchange in the west of the city, began on Monday and concluded yesterday.
The crowd at the busy summit (C) The City of Edinburgh Council
Many driving skills, such as anticipation of hazards, and observation, concentration, and anticipation of developments on the road naturally come with time, but the council, along with its partner organisations, hopes that harm on the road can be reduced by raising awareness of the risks inherent in being a new driver.
The summit aimed to stress the importance of developing these skills and their continual development, even after passing the driving test.
Summit leaders discussed issues such as pedestrian and passenger safety, laws on the road, interaction by public transport, first aid, and more.
Transport and environment convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson speaks to a police officers with school children waiting behind (C) The City of Edinburgh Council
Transport and environment convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, said: “Young Driver 2025 is an incredibly important event to make sure the next generation of Edinburgh’s drivers have all the resources they need to form good habits as they get on the road.
“I was delighted to attend yesterday, meeting with colleagues from the Council and partner organisations along with our young people.
“I was also struck by the strong breadth of useful and practical material being delivered across the four-day event.
“We remain committed to enhancing road safety across the Capital for all road users, with over £6m being invested in our Road Safety Delivery Plan this year alone.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported the event this year and made it such a great success.”
These types of events are held across Scotland annually to warn young people of the risks of being on the road.
They are usually organised by local authorities in coordination with secondary schools and statutory authorities like the police.
In Edinburgh this year a mock court, in which people would act out and prosecute real crimes from the archives of law firm Digby Brown, saw its return.
School children have a go on a driving simulator at the event (C) The City of Edinburgh Council
Yousef, a final-year pupil from Currie Community High School, said: “It was a fantastic experience with lots of fun activities and provided a valuable insight into the consequences of negligence on the road.
“With stations such as VR, simulators and mock court sessions, there was never a dull moment.”
Sam, another S6 student from Currie Community High School, said: “The Young Driver’s event was a successful learning experience which I found incredibly insightful.
“We listened to a variety of useful talks and had the opportunity to visit stands from numerous professionals which helped me understand how to stay safe on the road.”
In 2024, 160 people died in road traffic accidents in Scotland, an increase on the previous year.
Inspector Kosmas Papakyriakou of the Road Policing Unit said: ‘‘Edinburgh Division is fully supportive of Young Driver 2025.
“It is an excellent educational tool to assist young people to become careful, considerate, and safe drivers and road users.
“Keeping people safe on and around our roads is a priority for Police Scotland, our communities and our partners.
“By working together to make young people aware of the risks and impacts of dangerous road user behaviour, we can help reduce casualties in the future.”
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