Police fears over young drivers hours after deaths of two teenagers

Drink-driving: A number of young drivers were charged over the weekend.

Grampian Police has expressed “serious concerns” after young motorists were caught drink-driving and speeding hours after two teenagers were killed on local roads.

The force said there was no link between the two deaths and the other drivers’ behaviour but said the fatal accidents “highlight the vulnerability of young motorists”.

On Saturday 18-year-old Conor Donald, from the Newmacher area, died after his red Fiat Punto collided with a van on Aberdeen’s Beach Esplanade.

His death came less than 48 hours after another 18-year-old, Zoe Dunn from Aboyne, was killed when her car collided with a tree on the B9077 South Deeside Road, close to Banchory.

Over the weekend officers in Aberdeen charged three males aged 17, 18 and 22 with drink-driving offences.

In Aberdeenshire, two men aged 23 and 24, along with a 23-year-old woman were reported for travelling at speeds between 88 and 118 on the A90 Aberdeen-Peterhead road, near Balmedie. The woman was also reported for a drink-driving offence.

In Moray, a 19-year-old man was reported for travelling at 105 mph on a B-class road near Hopeman.

Chief Inspector Ian Wallace, head of road policing, said: "In the past year or so, we have seen fewer people being killed on our local roads however last week's tragedies has brought this issue sharply back to mind and has led to significant grief for the friends and families of those involved.

"Despite these recent sad events, the weekend period saw a number of young drivers failing to drive responsibility and through good fortune, the worst that befell them was being stopped by the police. On another day, the circumstances could have ended up in something far more serious."

The drivers have all been reported for a range of offences, some of which will be passed to the procurator fiscal to consider.

Mr Wallace added: "This is a difficult message to have to provide following last week's events, however the road safety message is one which continues to be vital if we are to make the roads as safe as possible.

“The fact that some young people are committing serious road traffic offences is very disappointing and they need to know that we are out on patrol, every day of the week using marked and unmarked patrols, seeking out this type of driving behaviour."

In detail

Tributes to 18-year-old girl who died after car crashes into tree

Family pays tribute to 18-year-old driver killed in van collision

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