Young drivers aged 17 to 25 years are at a higher risk of crashing than drivers of older age groups for lots of reasons including inexperience, attitudes to driving and risk taking behaviour.
Data from the RTA show that, in 2001 young people in NSW represented 15% of all licensed drivers and riders but accounted for 27% of all road traffic casualties.
Since the NSW Compulsory Third Party insurance scheme was established in July 1989 young people have accounted for almost one quarter of the total cost of claims to the scheme. ($2.2 billion)
Research shows that young people are a vulnerable group of road users due to a combination of attitudinal, behavioural, cultural and social factors.
Other factors such as carrying passengers, unlicensed driving, drinking alcohol and the driving location (ie rural/metropolitan areas) are also associated with higher crash risk.
Amount of driving experience also influences the risk of crashing: A young driver's crash risk is higher within the first 12 to 24 months of obtaining a license, when their driving skills are not yet fully developed.
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