While 2328 Otago and Southland people making claims for road-related injuries in 2025 may seem alarming, what is more concerning is Accident Compensation Corporation data shows about a third of those being seriously injured or killed, are aged 16-24. Those drivers make up about 14% of licence holders, but they also account for 38% of serious injuries and 27% of fatalities on New Zealand roads. And the injuries the age-group sustain in crashes, often involve high-energy trauma, leading to longer recovery times, higher lifetime costs, and extended time away from work. Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) injury prevention leader James Whitaker said the 2328 claims across Otago and Southland cost the taxpayer $55 million to help people recover — its highest point in six years. Nationally, there were 34,649 road-related injury claims, costing $766 million. ‘‘Road injuries make up a small proportion of ACC claims, but their impact is significant,’’ he said.…