Young drivers are unaware of the impacts that their unsafe driving behaviours could have on other road users, a recent RAA study has found.
In a survey of more than 3,500 South Australian high school students, one in five students said if they drive unsafely, their actions would only affect them.
RAA General Manager Public Affairs, Penny Gale said while these students aren’t the majority, it’s still concerning to hear such self-centred behaviours exist amongst learner drivers.
“Learning to drive isn’t just about building a certain set of skills to be able to drive a car; it’s also about having the right attitude each time you get behind the wheel,” said Ms Gale.
“It’s disappointing to hear almost 20 per cent of the students we surveyed thought their actions would only affect themselves.”
The survey also found that 26 per cent of students thought their friends would drive recklessly once they’re no longer supervised, with half suggesting their friends would do so simply to show off.
“It’s important to teach young drivers that their attitude on the road is just as important as the skills they learn to manoeuvre a vehicle,” said Ms Gale.
Over the next two days, at RAA’s annual road trauma awareness event Street Smart High, about 7,000 high school students from 64 schools will see just how one mistake on the road can cause a chain reaction.
“The crash scenario presented at today’s event shows students how one mistake doesn’t only affect the driver, it also hurts his passengers, other road users, as well as all of their family and friends,” said Ms Gale.
Motor Accident Commission (MAC) General Manager Road Safety Michael Cornish said MAC was pleased to be an Event Partner, given the significant impact road trauma had on many young South Australians.
“Last year in SA, people aged 16-24 represented 16% of all road crash fatalities and 25% of all serious injuries, even though this age group make up 13% of licensed drivers and 12% of the total state population,” Mr Cornish said.
“Street Smart High is an effective way to share some profound road safety stories with young people and encourage them to make smart decisions on the road.”
Street Smart High is the largest event of its kind in South Australia. Now in its sixth year, the event is held across two days, allowing more students from more schools to attend each year.
This year, regional students from schools in Port Lincoln and Whyalla have been sponsored to attend this important road safety event.
More News
