An RAC survey has found many young drivers have adopted risky driving habits, despite rating themselves better drivers than their peers.
The snapshot survey of 150 drivers aged 17 to 21, found 74 per cent rated their driving ability as "better" or "much better" than others in their age group, with 77 per cent confident they understood WA’s road rules.
Twenty-two per cent believed it was safe to use a mobile phone without a hands-free connection while 12 per cent said it was safe to drive when over the blood alcohol limit.
RAC General Manager External Relations Will Golsby said overconfidence among young drivers is leading to dangerous decisions and tragic consequences on WA roads.
“These results indicate a concerning disconnect between perceived ability and actual safe driving practices among our youngest drivers,” Mr Golsby said.
“Inexperience and overconfidence are a deadly combination which is why it’s crucial we continue to focus on educating our young drivers about road safety, including the effects of alcohol, speed, reckless behaviour, and distraction.
Fifty-nine per cent admitted to driving 10km/h above the designated speed limit, with 28 per cent deeming it a safe behaviour.
One in 10 said they had been a passenger in a vehicle where they suspected the driver was under the influence of drugs.
The findings come ahead of new laws restricting red P-plate drivers to one passenger which begin on Sunday.
“Young people are some of the most vulnerable on our roads, becoming even more high risk as they transition from supervised driving to provisional licences,” Mr Golsby said.
“While young drivers may feel sure of their abilities, their willingness to engage in high-risk behaviours suggests a lack of understanding of the potential consequences.
“It has been a tragic year on WA roads, and we welcome recent steps by the WA Government, including the new one passenger limit for red P-Platers.
We look forward to seeing what additional measures are considered and implemented.”
During the WA Government’s Road Safety Meeting in September, RAC raised the need for legislative changes for learner and novice drivers.
In addition to passenger restrictions for red P platers, RAC called for increases to supervised hours during the learner phase.
ENDS
Media contact: Lauren Cherry, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
