Hardly a week goes by without calls for something to be done to prevent any further deaths or serious injuries caused by young drivers on our roads.
We know that young drivers are at greater risk of being hurt or killed in a road crash, particularly when they have their P plate.
An important part of trying to keep them safe is to gain as much benefit as possible from the learner licence phase. Another very important factor – and one often overlooked by eager young drivers and parents relieved at no longer accompanying their learner on every drive – is the car they drive.
Research consistently reveals that most P-platers have access either to their own vehicle or the exclusive use of a family vehicle. P-platers in these situations report more risky driving behaviours such as speeding, not wearing seatbelts and showing off to friends.
When it comes to owning their own car, young drivers are more likely to drive smaller, older cars with fewer crash-avoidance mechanisms, such as electronic stability control, and fewer crash-protection mechanisms, such as airbags.
Safer cars improve crash outcomes such as reducing death or injuries to drivers and others. But safer cars with crash-avoidance and crash-protection features are usually more expensive – not just to buy, but also to insure – meaning that they may be out of the reach of young drivers and/or their families.
