Almost half (45 per cent) of young motorists are carrying potentially lethal weapons in their vehicles in order to protect themselves and their cars from crime, according to the RAC Foundation and Max Power Magazine.

Nearly 60 per cent of 17 to 23-year-old drivers said their vehicle vandalised, and nearly half have had items stolen from their car. Becoming victims of crime has left many determined to take matters into their own hands.

Now that threat from thieves, vandals, car jackers and joy riders appears to be leading many young motorists to be prepared to take the law, into their own hands.

The survey, published in the August edition of Max Power magazine, found evidence of an arsenal of potential weapons in the cars of respondents:

  • Almost one-third of young drivers admit to carrying a baseball bat in their vehicle
  • Nine per cent carry a blade or sword with them when they drive
  • Young drivers also confess to carrying crowbars, wheel-braces, screw drivers and tyre levers.

    The RAC Foundation and Max Power are urging motorists to get rid of their weapons, to protect their own safety and the safety of those around them, and also to warn them of the potential serious legal consequences of their actions.

    Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation, says: "It is extremely worrying that almost half of young drivers are prepared to risk their own safety and a police conviction for carrying an offensive weapon, to protect themselves and their car from car thieves and vandals.

    "Carrying a weapon can also put you at risk of it being turned back onto you and using a weapon on someone else can end up with very serious charges and consequences being imposed on you - even if the person you used it on was attempting to vandalise or steal your car.

    "The protection of your car is not a good enough reason for young motorists to carry baseball bats and knives in the boot. Get rid of them now"