HAMPSHIRE is one of the safest counties for young drivers, a new survey has revealed.

Figures released by the RAC Foundation revealed 13.1 per cent of injuries or deaths caused on the road in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight involve drivers aged 17-19.

The findings, compiled by the Transport Research Laboratory, mean Hampshire is one of the safest counties for young drivers in both the country and the south, with only Berkshire and Sussex posting lower results.

But on average one in five drivers will have an accident within six months of passing their test due to lack of experience and the RAC is keen to clamp down on accidents in rural areas, where the threat is highest.

The worst areas for casualties involving young drivers were parts of Wales, Cumbria and Cornwall.