YOUNG drivers from Dorset are being targeted in a campaign urging people to stay safe on the roads.

Young Driver Safety Week is taking place from today until Friday, October 3, and aims to make people aware of the most common causes of accidents.

These include driving at night, speeding, adverse weather condi-tions, driving with passengers and a careless attitude.

South West-based insurer Cornish Mutual is posting a series of blogs on its website highlighting the importance of driving safely.

Topics featured include the use of mobile phones while driving and distracting passengers.

There will also be a number of video blogs, featuring young members of the Cornish Mutual team talking about their own experiences of driving, claims from young drivers they have dealt with and how to prevent the most common causes of accidents.

Lewis Branfield, right, member services advisor, said his role in the insurance industry had changed his outlook on driving.

He said: “My job means I hear about claims from young drivers, and speed is one of the main causes of accidents, and yet it is something we’re all in control of.

“We had one claim where a motorcyclist was knocked off his bike by a young driver, who was proven to have been driving erratically and at speed.

“The motorcyclist suffered life-changing injuries and the young driver was prosecuted for dangerous driving.

“If I could give one piece of advice to young drivers, it would be that the learning doesn’t stop when you pass your test.

“It’s always good to take someone experienced out with you, someone who makes you feel comfortable for the first few times you head out.”

Alan Goddard, managing director at Cornish Mutual added: “The statistics about accidents involving young driv-ers are worrying for parents, and for us.

“We’ve been based in the South West for over 110 years and in this time we have dealt with a variety of road traffic collisions, none more heartbreaking than when a young driver is involved.

“As a local insurer, we feel a responsibility to raise awareness of this issue and improve safety among young drivers in the South West.

“The excitement of passing your test can sometimes lead to the dangers of driving being forgotten, which is why we are launching the Young Driver Safety Awareness Week.

“We hope this will help to highlight some of the dangers, and ultimately reduce the number of accidents on the roads in the South West.”