YOUNG drivers in the South West are more likely to think that the biggest road safety concern to P-Platers is external factors on the roads.
According to new research by Slater & Gordon Lawyers, young drivers did not identify internal factors such as talking or texting on the phone whilst driving, drug driving, speeding or distractions as the biggest risks.
The firm’s study of 2,000 Australians showed that relevant road safety messages were not sinking in.
Slater & Gordon motor vehicle accident lawyer Genevieve Henderson said young people were still struggling with emerging issues such as mobile phone use whilst driving.
RAC spokesman Will Golsby said that of 700, 17-19 year olds surveyed, alarming numbers of them were using their mobile phones behind the wheel to call, read and send texts and to check social media.
“Last year one person died every two days on WA roads and inattention played a major factor,” he said.
Ms Henderson said the findings suggest that young people may be lacking self-awareness about their own actions behind the wheel.
“The sad fact is that Australia’s young drivers are over-represented in serious road crash statistics. They make up just 14 per cent of all licence holders, but are involved in about 25 per cent of serious incidents,” she said.
Ms Henderson said that a community focus needed to be placed on young people to raise awareness and instil safer attitudes and behaviours.
Busselton sergeant Todd Carrington said the new research coincided with their Easter road safety campaign which would target mobile phone use whilst driving, speeding, driver inattention, seatbelts, alcohol and fatigue.
“There will also be a big press to get drug drivers off the roads,” he said.
Mr Golsby said young drivers needed to understand their responsibility on the roads and a split-second decision can have a devastating impact not only on the driver but also on their friends and families.
