UNSAFE CARS FUELLING INCREASED ROAD RISK FOR YOUNG DRIVERS
New research looks under the bonnet of key road risk factors for New Zealand youth
Despite already being the most vulnerable group, new research has revealed that young drivers are increasing their risk of road trauma by allowing basic safety essentials to go unchecked.
In fact, the new data from Driver Safety New Zealand released today has shown that four in five drivers aged 25 and under, own a car that is more than a decade old.
Despite this, two thirds of young New Zealand drivers are guilty of not undertaking any regular checks on their car – either leaving it to someone else or naively believing a warning light would alert them to any safety issues.
Even when faced with a specific issue like a broken headlight or worn windscreen wiper, the research revealed that young drivers are six times more likely to blow $50 on a meal out with friends than they would on fixing a vehicle safety concern.
In fact, young drivers are more likely to spend money cleaning their car than they are fixing a critical safety issue.
Alarmingly, the research also showed that 40 per cent of those aged 25 and under, have driven a car they knew had a safety issue at the time.
Driver Safety Australia & New Zealand founder and CEO Russell White said this frightening research was not only endangering the lives of young drivers, but road users generally.
“Car crashes happen in an instant, and in that moment, having a car in safe condition can be the difference between life and death,” Mr White said.
“Every driver has a responsibility to ensure they’re taking precautions to keep themselves and those around them safe. Whether that’s tyre tread and being able to brake in time or having adequate vision in different weather conditions with working wipers or headlights.
“On top of these safety concerns, there’s also the added risk of being stranded when broken down on the side of the road. We continue to see serious injuries and fatalities as a result of being struck in high-traffic areas, which can often be avoided,” he said.
However, the research also highlighted opportunities for improvement, showing that it wasn’t solely an attitude problem – rather a lack of skills and knowledge that proved to be the biggest safety barrier.
A third of young drivers claim they don’t know anything about basic car checks, however, half believed being able to maintain their vehicle is an important skill that every driver should know.
Additional to this, three in five of those who are currently without any car safety check knowledge are eager to learn how to perform these activities.
In an effort to better arm young people with the capabilities and know-how, Driver Safety New Zealand has teamed up with leading specialist auto retailer Supercheap Auto to drive ‘Check It’.
Launched in New Zealand on 19 February, the initiative will be raising awareness amongst younger drivers around the importance of undertaking regular vehicle safety checks.
On National Check It Day, Saturday 30 March, free training will be provided across Supercheap Auto’s 45 stores nationwide. Through the program, young drivers can also access ongoing tutorials available online at www.supercheapauto.com.au/checkit.
Supercheap Auto General Manager Customer Communications & Engagement, David Bauer said that empowering young vehicle owners with knowledge and skill would greatly accelerate safety on the streets.
“There’s so much about safety that is within our control – how we behave on or around the road, and ensuring that our vehicles meet safety standards,” Mr Bauer said.
“We’re fortunate at Supercheap Auto to have a skilled team and the tools required to help educate the newest generation of vehicle owners and help create safer roads for all,”
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Media Contacts:
Emily O’Halloran, Thrive PR on behalf of Driver Safety
[email protected] or +6421 664 406
Frances Browne, Thrive PR on behalf of Driver Safety
[email protected] or +61 431 296 499
