When it comes to the statistics of how many young drivers are killed on the roads, they are incredibly alarming. Did you know; P-plate drivers are estimated to be 33 times more likely to have a crash than L-plate drivers? Or that the risk of P-plate drivers having a crash decrease over the first 6-12 months?
That’s why it’s crucial for you to educate your child as much as you can to reduce these risks from the beginning.
We highlight five ways you can help to reduce these risks below.
Parent’s Guide: Reducing Risks for P-plate Drivers
Expensive Cars Aren’t Always Safest: It is important that P-platers are driving the safest car within the market range due to their increased crash risk. This doesn’t mean buying the most expensive car on the market – generally larger cars and newer cars are safer than smaller, older cars.
Drive with Purpose: The P-plate driver should avoid non-purposeful driving (cruising around) throughout the P-plate licence period as this often coincides with being distracted and showing off.
Drive to Weather Conditions: Discuss with your P-plater the need to SLOW DOWN when it is wet and to drive based on the road and weather conditions.
Don’t Be a Distraction: Discuss with your P-plate driver the importance of being a responsible driver AND a responsible passenger. This means not engaging the driver in distracting conversations or pointing out things outside the car.
Lose the Mobile: Discuss with your P-plate driver the risks of being distracted and set up strategies to avoid risks, including switching off phones or keeping them in the boot while driving.
This information was sourced from the Going Solo resource, published by the Accident Research Centre at Monash University. For more facts on risks and strategies to reduce these risks, download the full resource here. We encourage all parents to download and read this resource.
If your child has been injured in a car accident, call us now on 1300 302 318 to arrange a free no obligation appointment, or email us to ensure your child gets the financial compensation they are entitled to.
