Young Drivers Admit to Texting and Driving

13 Apr 2012

MEDIA RELEASE: 13 April 2012

New Transport Accident Commission (TAC) data shows that young people are far more likely than older drivers to use their mobile phone while driving and the dangerous habit is far too common.

31% of drivers aged 18 to 25 said they were likely to read a text message while driving and 20% were likely to write one. In comparison just 11% of drivers aged 40-60 years old said they were likely to read a text and 3% were likely to write one.

The research has been revealed as the TAC supports recruitment for one of the world’s largest research trials aiming to improve young people’s attitudes to driving.

The P Drivers Project is a new approach to tackling risky driving amongst young Victorian P-platers, focusing on changing the key risk behaviours that lead to the most common crash types for newly licensed drivers.

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the mobile phone use admissions were quite disturbing.

"Young people are already vulnerable due to their lack of experience behind the wheel so the last thing they need is another unnecessary distraction," Ms Dore said.

"If a driver takes their eyes off the road for five seconds in a 100km per hour zone, they will travel for more than 100 metres without looking at the road."

TAC research also shows that only 15% of young drivers believe using a mobile phone while driving to be extremely dangerous, compared to 47% of older drivers.

"The research tells us that younger drivers don't believe the consequences of their actions while driving will be too bad, yet they are the ones who are over-represented in the road toll," Ms Dore said.

Ms Dore said the P Drivers Project was a great opportunity for young drivers to improve their driving and potentially help save a mate.

"It is available for young P plate drivers who have received their license in the last 100 days.

"If you are, or know of, a P Driver who could take part log on to www.pdriversproject.com.au," Ms Dore said.