Young soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are being targeted in a campaign after research found they are twice as likely to be killed in car crashes while off-duty than other drivers (Scotsman).
Army chiefs believe soldiers with an ‘I’m invincible’ mentality throw caution to the wind after coming back from conflict zones. Some are using money saved while posted abroad to splash out on powerful cars, which may be their first vehicle.
Over the past five years, an average of 42 British soldiers a year have been killed on the roads while off duty – more than three and a half times the number killed in crashes on duty.
In an effort to reverse the trend, army driving chiefs have teamed up with police, fire brigades and safety groups to drive the road safety message home. The campaign includes graphic road safety films, which are shown to soldiers before they go on leave.
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