Drink, drugs and other 'behavioural factors' have been blamed for an increase in the number of 17 to 24 year olds killed of seriously injured on Kent's roads.

The 16% rise in serious crashes involving young people - from 51 in 2014 to 59 in 2015 - brings to an end a downward trend, and belies the slight decrease in crashes overall.

The latest figures from Kent County Council and Medway Council show the number of people killed and seriously injured decreased by 1% in 2015 compared to the previous year.

Overall the number of crashes fell by 2% - 637 in 2015 and 647 in 2014.

The 17 to 24 year-old age group continues to be over-represented in crash statistics – making up 23% of all car occupant KSI casualties in Kent in 2015.

In total, 707 people were killed and seriously injured (KSI) on all roads in Kent and Medway - including motorways and A roads managed by Highways England - compared to 715 in 2014.

KCC said most incidents are still down to driver behaviour.

Research shows that three-quarters of injury crashes occur solely as a result of behavioural factors – the choices people make, such as driving under the influence of drink or drugs, using a mobile phone or going above the speed limit.

Overall, 95% of crashes include some element of bad driving.

The Kent figures show the proportion of serious crashes caused by driver or rider behaviour increased in 2015 compared to the previous year.

Steve Horton, casualty reduction manager at KCC, said, “On the road, one mistake or a moment’s inattention can have tragic consequences, and human error is a factor in 95% of crashes.

“Too many people are involved in crashes on Kent’s roads and our One Road For All campaign aims to show how we can all help reduce that number by being more patient, being more alert to other road users and by sharing the road safely.”

The long-term casualty rate for Kent has shown a downward trend, falling 50% between 1994 and 2015.

Cllr Phil Filmer, head of frontline services for Medway Council, said: “Every single driver in Kent and Medway plays a role in keeping our roads safe.

“We all have a duty to drive with care and while a majority of people do, it’s the few who make bad choices who end up causing serious accidents.

“While the number of deaths in Medway alone hasn’t risen in the last year, there has been an increase in the number of people seriously injured on the roads in Medway and that is why it’s so important that we all continue to work together with our partners to educate new and existing drivers about road safety and responsible driving.”

The 12-month period saw a year-on-year reduction in casualties for road users including motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, car occupants, under 16’s and those aged over 65.

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport Matthew Balfour said: “These crashes have a life-changing impact for those involved and their families.

“We constantly strive to keep road users as safe as possible on Kent's roads.

“Research clearly shows that the vast majority are caused by poor driving or other human factors.

“It is vital that we all recognise the way we drive, ride or walk plays a big part in helping us or our relatives to avoid becoming a road casualty.”