Young drivers are the most at risk on our roads, but is the ACT's Road Ready driver education program effective in making them safer behind the wheel?
A new study by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) road safety researchers will follow the progress of young Canberra drivers to find out if Road Ready is helping improve their knowledge and attitudes and reduce risk-taking while driving.
Researcher Sarah Matthews, from QUT's Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q), said unlike other states, in the ACT all new drivers must complete the compulsory driver education program Road Ready before they can obtain their L's.
"Road Ready is designed to help young drivers became safer and more competent on the roads," she said.
"It takes young people from preparing for a learner licence to learning to drive, through to driving solo on a provisional licence, and eventually moving on to a full licence."
Ms Matthews said the study would check in with participants aged 16-20 for up to 12 months, to find out their thoughts on road safety, driving and risk-taking.
"What we are seeking to do is measure whether or not young drivers' attitudes are affected by Road Ready and whether these attitudes change over time," she said.
"We know that P-platers are the most risky on our roads and the most likely drivers to have a crash.
"In fact, young drivers (those aged 17-24 years) are two-and-a-half times more likely to be killed in a crash than any other age group. Part of the reason for this is risky driving behaviours. Road Ready is designed to challenge the attitudes and thinking behind risky driving choices."
Ms Matthews said while education was considered an important factor in driver safety, it was vital to evaluate its effectiveness.
"Unlike other states, the ACT does not require learner drivers to keep a log book of their practice driving hours," she said.
"As a community we need to be confident in the knowledge that we are providing the best possible support for young drivers who are most at risk of injury or death on our roads."
Ms Matthews said every year the ACT received about 10,000 applications for learner driver permits and the majority of these were from young drivers between 16 and 20.
To take part in the study you must be aged between 16 and 20 and be preparing to undertake the Road Ready program. Those who complete the study will be reimbursed $50 for their time. For people under 18, the researchers need to contact parents for permission to take part.
For more information or to register to participate, visit http://www.carrsq.qut.edu.au/roadready/
This study is funded by the NRMA - ACT Road Safety Trust.
Media contact:
Sandra Hutchinson, QUT Media (Tue, Wed), 07 3138 9449 or media@qut.edu.au
After hours, Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901
