NEW DRIVERS

New Drivers

People between the ages of 15 and 20 were killed in motor vehicle crashes the leading cause of death for this age group. And although young drivers represent only 6.6% of the nation's licensed drivers, they are involved in 14.8% of fatal crashes. The National Safety Council urges all parents to familiarize themselves with the risks associated with young, inexperienced drivers.

Young drivers are the most at risk group on the road.

Young drivers exhibit certain attributes that contribute to their higher risk of road crashes. These include:
  • Lack of experience.
  • Risk taking behaviour.
  • The use of older vehicles with less safety features.
  • Speeding.
  • Peer pressure.

Why, when and where did they die?


On average between 2003-2006, for drivers in the 16-25 year age group who were killed or seriously injured:
  • 30% of drivers who were killed had a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). of .05 or above and 23% of drivers seriously injured recorded a BAC of .05 or above.
  • 10% were not wearing a seat belt.
  • 45% occurred on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
  • 20% occurred between 4-5pm, 6-8pm or 12-1am.
  • 45% were on country roads and 42% on roads signposted as 100km/h or 110km/h.
  • 55% were male.

Night driving


Young drivers are more likely to drive at night and on weekends than older drivers.
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