New research reveals one in four teenage drivers crash in the first year

• 402 teenage car drivers were killed or injured on UK roads in 2015[i]
• Alarming statistic means that more than seven teenage drivers die or are injured a week
• 17 to 19 year-olds make up only 1.5 per cent of UK licence holders[ii]but are responsible for nine per cent of fatal and serious crashes
• In a first for the UK market, Shotgun - a free app powered by Direct Line - has been launched to tackle these figures head on by rewarding new drivers aged 17-25 for safe driving
   

Getting behind the wheel of their first car is a rite of passage for most young people. However, it is fraught with risk as one in four teenage drivers will crash in the first year after getting their licence[iii].

Furthermore, the fact that more than seven teenage drivers are killed or seriously injured on the roads every week and that 17 to 19 year-olds make up only 1.5 per cent of UK licence holders[iv] but are responsible for nine per cent of fatal and serious crashes paints a bleak picture of the risks faced by novice motorists.

In a move which aims to dramatically lessen these shocking figures, a new app has been launched called Shotgun. Available for free download on iOS and Android, Shotgun encourages new drivers between the ages of 17-25 to be ‘masters of the road’ with a combination of positive reinforcements that will give back to new road users when they drive safely. There are opportunities to redeem rewards from leading companies such as PizzaExpress, Virgin Experience Days, Boost Juice Bars and many more.

Kerry Chilvers, brands director at Direct Line said: “There are over half a million teenagers on our roads[v] and every week more than seven of them are killed or suffer life-changing injuries. These are figures we have to change. We want Shotgun to act as a new driver’s personal wingman beside them, to support them through those important first 1,000 miles of driving.”

Shotgun lasts up until users clock up 1,000 miles – typically six months on the road – as research has shown that once they reach this milestone they will have really improved the skills and experience they need to reduce their risk of a crash.

The app makes use of GPS technology to track each car journey and then scores the different elements of the user’s driving, allowing them to earn points based on their overall performance. These points unlock different levels of rewards.

Users will be given feedback on their driving, giving them the tools to improve and win even more rewards.

Chilvers continued: “We know that scare tactics don’t work for this audience, who believe they’re invincible, so we worked with behavioural psychologists to develop a solution which incentivises good driving and the leader board element appeals to competitive natures.”

Shotgun is not an insurance product and is available to all new drivers between the ages of 17-25, regardless of whether they are a Direct Line customer or not. Young drivers looking for insurance should visit  to find out more about DrivePlus.

Shotgun (powered by Direct Line) is available for free on iOS and Android. For more information please visit .
 

ENDS

For further information / interviews / images:

Teresa Beeley

teresa@hellounity.com

020 7440 9828

Beth Colmer

beth@hellounity.com

020 7440 9826

Andrew Soar

andrew.soar@hellounity.com

020 7440 9817

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting 

About Shotgun 

Shotgun is a new, free road safety intervention app from Direct Line designed to change the behaviour of new drivers aged 17–25 and help them to become better drivers. The app will provide drivers with feedback on their first 1,000 miles driving on the road, whilst rewarding them for good driving from a host of partners including PizzaExpress, Virgin Experience days, Boost Juice Bars and many more.

Shotgun’s aim is to eliminate deaths during the vulnerable first 1,000 miles for all new drivers. The Shotgun app is available for free on iOS and Android via .

Visit  for more information.

[i] Reported road casualties Great Britain 2015, Department for Transport, 2016, table RAS30011

[ii] Full and provisional driving licences by age and gender, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, 2015

[iii] Direct Line Group claims data. 1st January 2015 – 30th June 2016

[iv] Full and provisional driving licences by age and gender, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, 2015

[v] Full and provisional driving licences by age and gender, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, 2015