Road accidents involving young people can be reduced with additional training, it has been revealed.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa), that firms providing jobs involving young people getting behind the wheel, should provide young motorists with extra training to prevent accidents and reduce the number of van insurance claims.

Research from Rospa found that young motorists are ill-prepared when carrying out driving jobs after finding 60 per cent of employers admitted being concerned for its young employees between 17 and 24.

Duncan Vernon, RoSPA’s road safety manager, said: "Our research found that there is a clear skills and training gap. Young workers are being required to drive vehicles, and in conditions and situations, in which they have limited, if any, prior experience."

Furthermore, he added that "Many employers reported that they did not rely on the driving licence as evidence of competence in driving for work."

As a result, many firms may "conduct their own assessments before allowing their employees to drive for work purposes. It is not surprising, therefore, that so many said they would find a post-test driving for work qualification useful."

He suggested that by providing young drivers with additional training, the number of accidents can reduce along with insurance premiums.