Wearing your seat belts, whatever the journey, whether your a driver or a passenger literally saves your life, and the lives of your friends and family.

The leading causes of serious injury and death on UK roads are speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seat belt and using a mobile phone while driving.

If you're a newly qualified driver heading out onto the roads for the first time, statistics show that you're at a much higher risk than experienced drivers of being involved in a road traffic incident.

Below are some things to watch out for and advice that could help prevent incidents and improve your safety on the roads.

Advice for newly qualified drivers
Always wear your seatbelt; it's against the law to not wear a seatbelt and you can be charged up to £500 for not wearing one. 
Don't feel pressured to speed or follow dangerous instructions from passengers.
Don't feel embarrassed to ask for further help if you're not feeling confident. 
Apply P plates to your car, so other drivers can see you're a new driver.
Be aware of when not to drive, ie if you're tired, angry, under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Some insurance companies also offer ‘black box’ telematics technology. This technology monitors speed, and driving style and can also be used to set curfews. Drivers abiding by the rules of the technology can be given discounts on their insurance.

If you have any police related information which is concerning let us know using the online ‘Tell Us About’ form on our website www.westmercia.police.uk.

If you aren’t comfortable contacting us directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org.  In an emergency please call 999.