Home calls to reduce road deaths

The area has a high number of road deaths involving young people

Grampian police have been visiting the homes of young people who persistently drive irresponsibly in a bid to reduce the number deaths on the roads.

Officers have knocked on the doors of hundreds of young drivers they suspect of dangerous driving since Operation Piston was launched on 2 November.

Grampian has the worst record in Scotland for serious road accidents involving drivers aged 17-25.

The initiative is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.

Sgt Steven Dick, who is leading the operation, said drivers have come to the attention of the force through complaints by local residents.

Officers then visit their homes and warn them of the dangers of driving irresponsibly. The force has made a handful of arrests since the operation began.

Sgt Dick said 35-36% of those involved in serious road accidents in the Aberdeenshire area are aged between 17-25, compared with a national average of 25%.

He said: "The aim is to try and reduce this number, and by reducing this number hopefully it will reduce the deaths and seriously injuries on the roads."

A total of 37 people died in road accidents in the Grampian area last year, and 14 of those were under the age of 24.