THOUSANDS of young drivers and passengers are risking their lives on Dorset’s roads every day, according to shocking new statistics.

More than a fifth of young passengers questioned admitted getting into a car with a driver under the influence of drugs, alcohol or both.

Half said they have travelled with a driver who broke the speed limit by more than 10mph and nearly six out of 10 admitted they fear for their safety when their friends are behind the wheel.

Despite their willingness to travel in dangerous situations, a huge 83 per cent supported restrictions for novice drivers in the survey, conducted by road safety charity Brake and QBE Insurance to coincide with Road Safety Week, which started yesterday.

“It is unacceptable that more young people die in preventable road crashes than from any other cause,” said Julie Townsend of Brake.

“Every day more families face the unbearable news that a loved one has been killed suddenly and violently, or suffered a horrific injury, in young driver crashes.

“We need young drivers to show compassion at the wheel, to realise they have lives in their hands, and pledge to drive safely.”

More than 500 young people across the south of England were questioned for the survey and the results will be used to put pressure on the government to introduce more road safety measures.

Brake is calling for tougher penalties for offenders and more restrictions for new drivers.