Drivers are putting their lives at risk by choosing cars based on brand and image rather than safety. This trend is especially prevalent among young drivers.

A recent survey by road safety charity Brake shows safety is one of the least important considerations for young drivers and only 37 per cent of drivers aged 17 to 24 years old said it was something they thought about when buying a car. For older drivers, that figure rises to 48 per cent.

Young drivers place more importance on infotainment systems, with 17 per cent saying it was the key decision in their choice of new car. This is despite evidence that shows stereos and mobile phones pose a serious risk of distraction to young drivers.

Young drivers also have a lack of awareness of safety standards, such as Euro NCAP, with only 23 per cent saying said they knew what this was.

Vehicle safety technology has improved leaps and bounds, and a large part of the casualty reductions we have seen in recent decades are likely to be attributable to this. It is important that all drivers take advantage of these advances as much as possible, to protect both themselves and the people around them on foot and bike.

When choosing a vehicle to drive on public roads, safety should always be the number one consideration. However, any vehicle is ultimately only ever as safe as the person driving it, and choosing the safest possible vehicle still needs to be combined with legal, considerate driving.