It’s a heartbreaking fact that every year, young people continue to be overrepresented in the road toll - something RACQ’s Education Team is working to combat through their road safety programs.

The Club’s Coaching and Development Officer, Tiffany Boyd said it’s important for young people to understand their decisions behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences.

“Young drivers are 60% more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal car crash,” Ms Boyd said.

“These could often be avoided and instead were the result of choices that people made – what they chose to do, or not do, in that moment.

“We want them to make a choice to put on their seatbelt, make a choice to not drive after having a drink and really prioritise getting themselves and their friends home safely.”

In 2022, 93% of road fatalities involved at least one of the Fatal Five – that’s speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not wearing a seatbelt, driving distracted and driving tired.

RACQ’s annual Young Drivers’ Survey also found around three quarters of motorists aged 16-24 admitted to speeding and driving while tired.

“It only takes one of the Fatal Five to place drivers, their passengers and other road users at significant risk,” Ms Boyd said.

“Something we aim to do in our programs at RACQ is empower young people with the skills to prioritise the task of driving ahead of all other distractions they may have at this stage of their life.”

Ms Boyd said while RACQ’s programs were designed to help young drivers in their decision making, family members also play a massive role.

Four ways parents can help keep their kids safe on the road

1. Be proactive

Start a conversation about road safety with a young driver, make them aware of all possible situations and how they could deal with a difficult situation. It’s also important for parents to set a good example by avoiding the Fatal Five behaviours themselves.

2. Plan ahead

Parents and young people should plan ahead. Consider multiple options so that adolescents aren't relying on their friends to drive them home or feeling pressured by their peers to make risky decisions in the moment. For example, if a young person is heading to a party with friends, they are encouraged to plan ahead and arrange for a family member to pick them up, consider public transport options, or organise a rideshare or taxi home. It's important to ensure that young people have a charged phone so they can access specific apps and remain in contact with family members.

3. One phone call – no questions

Equip young drivers and passengers with the ‘one phone call – no questions’ strategy. Young people are encouraged to have someone who they care about and trust lined up to pick them up if and when they need. It's important for young people to understand that the priority is for them to get home safely, rather than fearing potential consequences such as angry or disappointed parents.

4. Drive with purpose

When it comes to learner drivers, it’s important for parents and supervisors to make sure every driving lesson has a purpose. Whilst they’re covered by the safety net of their learner licence, parents should use the opportunity to have conversations around positive driving behaviours. To help make every drive a meaningful one, supervisors are encouraged to ask questions of their learner driver rather than telling them what to do, which in turn will help provide young people with a more authentic real-world experience.