An RAC survey has revealed overconfidence among the State’s youngest drivers, with an alarming number admitting to speeding and using their phone behind the wheel.
The survey of over 500 WA drivers aged 17 to 21, shows 84 per cent have exceeded the speed limit since getting their licence, while 40 per cent have used their phone behind the wheel.
RAC’s Rhys Heron said despite almost 40 per cent of young drivers admitting to being involved in a crash while driving, 73 per cent rate their driving skills better or much better than their peers.
“It would seem many young drivers have an attitude of ‘it will never happen to me,’ which puts them at a higher risk and sadly leads to them being over-represented in serious road crashes,” Mr Heron said.
“Inexperience and overconfidence are a deadly combination, and speed and distraction continue to be leading factors in the deaths and serious injuries that happen every day on WA roads.”
“There is no safe level of speeding and taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can have devastating consequences."
Distraction and speeding aren’t only issues for younger drivers – 97 per cent of respondents have seen someone else use their phone behind the wheel, and 75 per cent have been in a car where the driver was speeding.
“We urge drivers of all ages to set the right example for their friends and family. Whether that’s a parent driving with their child, or a group of young friends heading away for the weekend.
“Passengers also have an important role – have the confidence to tell your mates to slow down or get off their phone.”
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Media contact: RAC Media team on 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
RAC’s 2021 Young Driver Survey
Mobile phone use:
- 40 per cent admit to having used their phone behind the wheel since starting to drive.
- 36 per cent have used their phone behind the wheel while stopped at traffic lights.
- 23 per cent have used their phone behind the wheel while stopped in traffic.
- 18 per cent have used their phone behind the wheel while driving on a suburban road.
- 14 per cent have used their phone behind the wheel while driving in slow moving traffic.
- 9 per cent have used their phone behind the wheel while driving on a freeway or highway.
- 97 per cent have seen someone else using their mobile phone behind the wheel.
- 52 per cent have been in a car where the driver was using their phone.
- 13 per cent don’t believe sending or reading a text while driving is risky.
- 15 per cent don’t believe taking a photo or filming while driving is risky.
Speeding:
- 84 per cent admit to speeding since starting to drive.
- 82 per cent admit to speeding by up to 5km/h above the speed limit.
- 61 per cent admit to speeding by 5km/h to 10km/h above the speed limit.
- 75 per cent have been in a car where the driver was speeding.
- 78 per cent don’t believe driving up to 5km/h above the speed limit is risky.
- 36 per cent don’t believe driving up to 10km/h above the speed limit is risky.
- 39 per cent have received a speeding fine since starting to drive.
Perceptions:
- 73 per cent of young drivers rate their driving ability as better or much better than other drivers in their age group.
- 70 per cent believe that drivers aged between 17-24 are most often involved in crashes on WA roads.
Young driver crashes:
- 39 per cent have been involved in a crash as a driver, and 17 per cent as a passenger.
- Of these, 63 per cent changed their driving behaviour as a result.
