Motor vehicles accidents represent the greatest cause of unintentional death and injury in young people in Australia.
Road Safety In Australia
In 2003, 17-25 year olds represented 25 per cent of road deaths.
• In 2002, 17-25 year olds represented 25 per cent of persons seriously injured in road
crashes.
In comparison to other road users, young people are more likely to be labelled as risk takers. This stems from their lack of experience, poor hazard perception, a desire to prove themselves, and a thrill seeking and attitudinal aspects such as thinking 'it can't happen to me'.
Young drivers are over-represented in serious motor vehicle accidents. Young people under the age of 20 years represent only 5% of all license holders and yet they are involved in approximately 15% of all motor vehicle crashes resulting in death or injury (Limiting Risks Protecting Lives resource RTA. 2008)
A variety of factors increase the risk of mortality and morbidity from motor vehicle accidents. The influence of the male gender role has a significant influence on risk behaviour as some young males feel societal pressures to conform to expected gender roles. This might involve running red lights, speeding or doing 'doughnuts' to impress their peers and validate their ability to 'handle' a car. The presence of passengers can influence the driving behaviour of young males, particularly in their first year of driving. Young females are more likely to be the victim of a passenger accident, because young males tend to drive.
In 2003, 17-25 year old males represented 6 per cent of the population but 20 per cent of
road deaths. In other words, the number of road crash deaths of 17-25 year old males was
more than 3 times what would be expected based on their representation in the population
(ratio of 3:1 rather than 1:1).
Differences exist between socio-economic groups in relation to motor vehicle accidents. Young people from low socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle accidents. Driving less-roadworthy cars, consuming alcohol and achieving lower levels of education are contributing factors to motor vehicle accidents in this group.