Young drivers face significantly higher risks on New Zealand’s roads, so closer supervision from older adults, such as parents, guardians and instructors, is crucial, the ACC said.
Data from the government accident insurer showed that those aged 16-24 over-represented in road casualties, despite huge reductions in the past 10 years. Drivers in this age group make up only 13% of licence holders but represent 30% of serious road injuries and over 25% of fatalities.
According to the ACC, young drivers are more likely to crash in their first six months of having a restricted licence than any other time in their life, as they don’t have the experience of an older driver. This is where guidance from senior drivers come in.
To help learners and coaches in the driving instruction process, ACC and Waka Kotahi have developed the Drive online hub, which helps young people become confident, capable drivers. ACC said Drive provides clear guidance throughout learners’ driving licencing journey. It also contains tips to help parents and coaches pass on driving skills to learners.
ACC said that Drive is one of the ways it demonstrates its commitment to the Road to Zero initiative, which sets out a strategy where no one is killed or seriously injured on New Zealand’s roads.
