Joyriding: the brief escape from boredom that often ends in death

The death toll caused by joyriding is rising as youths suffering from boredom and unemployment seek thrills that frequently end in tragedy.

Temptation proves too much for idle youngsters, with car crime presenting itself as an easy means of escape from poverty-stricken estates.

It usually involves males aged between 14 and 23 from deprived areas, although youths from affluent backgrounds are also tempted to take and drive away their parents' cars.

A reduction in speed limits would be unlikely to have any impact whatsoever on this kind of car crime. And with joyriding usually taking place in built-up areas, the consequences are often severe for the public.

Yet many offenders are let off with short periods of detention, and courts often hear the excuse that they have a fascination or obsession with cars.

Some have even received treatment from psychologists or psychiatrists in the search for a so-called cure for their affliction. The courts' first resort is usually to community service and probation, followed by a period of detention or imprisonment.

But often the perpetrators can learn more tricks of the trade while ''inside'' and mixing with like-minded offenders.

In an attempt to halt the rising accident figures, Strathclyde Police set up a pioneering Young Drivers Project in 1995 - known as a police academy for young drivers.

Through talks and presentations to youngsters, officers tour the force area. Every offender stopped during the recent Speedwatch Campaign was sent a letter by the project.

The force found the number of deaths on the roads in 1998 was the lowest since 1975. Yet the 17 to 25 age group still accounts for 20% of all accidents despite only holding 10% of driving licences.

In April this year, four joyriders were killed in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire. Passengers Paul McGivens, David Foy, and David Allen, all 19 and from Coatbridge, died instantly when driver James Rowan, 17, lost control of the stolen Ford Orion. He died the next day from severe head injuries.

The car had somersaulted before crashing through fencing and smashing into a flat belonging to an elderly couple who happened to be on holiday at the time.

The very next day a 14-year-old boy died while apparently joyriding with two teenage friends.

In August 1998, 18-year-olds Christopher Williamson, Barry McInnes, Mark McFarlane, and Alan Fisher, all from East Kilbride, died when the car they were in careered off the road and smashed into a tree.

Jordan Reid, 18, of Paisley, died after a stolen car he was in crashed in September 1998.

Also last year, a learner driver who was showing off to friends killed two elderly women walking home in Port Seton after he lost control in a residential street.

In 1994, traffic policeman Andrew Brown said his life was ruined after he was run down by a joyrider. The Strathclyde officer received an undisclosed compensation award after a five-year battle.

The driver, Gary Fulton, from Clydebank, was at first charged with attempted murder but it was reduced to a charge of failing to give a breath test. He was given 200 hours community service and banned from driving for five years.

Mr Brown had to take early retirement after losing part of his arm, and a lengthy battle with an insurance firm ensued over liability.

One bizarre case, involving an 18-year-old who drove with a church minister clinging to the roof of the car, was heard at Glasgow Sheriff Court in November.

Brian Paul, of Castlemilk, was given 18 months detention and a five-year ban after trying to shake off terrified Alexander Cowie, 49, a Free Church pastor.

Another joyrider who stole 13 vehicles in just three weeks was given psychiatric help after Airdrie Sheriff Court heard he had an obsession with cars.

The Strathclyde Police Young Drivers Project, which is the only one of its kind, has become a guiding light to forces throughout Britain.

And while the project continues to tour youth groups to heighten awareness among the drivers of the future, joyriders are sure to remain the bane of every police traffic officer in the country.

Ministers are considering cutting rural speed limits from 60mph to 50mph, with traffic in towns being restricted to just 20mph.

Although officials stressed no decisions had yet been taken, the move is reported to be part of a Government initiative to try to cut road deaths.

One element of the strategy is likely to see a big increase in the number of speed cameras to trap motorists, as police forces are allowed to keep some of the proceeds of the fines the cameras bring in.

At present the money goes to the Treasury, removing any incentive for the police to install more cameras.

Ministers are due to announce their decisions on speed limits in the autumn, as part of an overall strategy to boost road safety.

Transport Minister Lord Whitty said: ''This is a very complex area in which there are competing interests. The review has to strike a balance . . . Speed limits are not necessarily the only answer.''

A spokesman for the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions said: ''There is a speed policy review consultation going on, on which no decisions have been taken.''

He said newspaper reports were ''quite wrong to suggest that any Government decision has been taken to reduce speed limits''.