On The Road

Speed education

15/12/2011

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Have you got a probationary or learner driver in your household? Read on for some top tips to encourage them to stick to the speed limit, and why it will help them enjoy the ride.

Research conducted for insurer AAMI shows that some young drivers speed almost every time they get behind the wheel. Sixteen per cent of drivers aged 18-24 admitted to speeding most of the time, compared to just six per cent for drivers aged over 25.

Here are some ways you can be a positive influence on how you’re your children manage a vehicle and their speed:

• Lead by example - Richard Lew from LogL, an online resource for learner drivers and their parents, comments that young people’s risk taking behaviour behind the wheel is significantly influenced by how their parents drive. It’s more what you do than what you say that will make the difference.
• Make sure your new driver clocks up plenty of hours with you to build their confidence and skill. Professor Tom Triggs, former Deputy Director at the Monash University Accident Research Centre, comments that learners drive most cautiously when carrying their parents, older passengers and children.

• Professor Triggs says crash risk is highest early in the probationary licence period. Young drivers are more likely to take risks when they are driving with their friends – and this problem is compounded by the distraction peer passengers provide. Try and limit how often they drive with friends without a parent in the car, and keep the number of passengers to a minimum.
• Fines and demerits are serious deterrents, so make sure your new driver knows what the penalties are. Making them responsible for paying speeding fines will provide a tangible lesson about sticking to the speed limit (even if they have to work it off around the house to avoid them driving without a license).

What messages should your learner hear about speeding?

• The RAC comments that speed limits are set based on level of traffic, type of environment and size of the road, and exceeding them by even five kilometres per hour doubles your risk of being involved in a crash.
• Exceeding the speed limit slows your stopping time, so if something unpredictable happens, you may not be able to avoid it.
• Sticking to the speed limit is in everyone’s best interest – driver aside, there are the passengers, pedestrians and other cars on the road to consider.