Police are appealing to learner and provisional drivers to drive safely and avoid taking any risks while behind the wheel.
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So far this year, 42 drivers aged between 17 and 25 years have died on the road, 12 more than the same time last year.
Despite making up only about 15 per cent of all drivers, NSWPF road toll statistics show younger drivers represent more than a third of annual road fatalities.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said holding a licence is a privilege and not a right.
“Novice drivers must recognise the responsibilities attached to that licence or risk losing the privilege, or worse, serious injury or death,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“There is a great need for parents and older siblings of younger drivers to ensure they are driving safely on our roads,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
In the last financial year, police issued 21,637 infringements to learner and provisional drivers, 590 more than the previous year.
The top 10 locations for the infringements were: Dubbo: 289, Goulburn: 217, Nabiac: 155, Armidale: 143, St Marys 132, Mittagong: 130, Port Macquarie: 129, Orange: 126, Parramatta: 125, Griffith: 125, Coffs Harbour: 125.
Mobile phone use while driving, not comply with road rules, seat belt use and speeding top the list of offences – Mobile Phone: 994, Not Comply: 16087, Restraint: 640, Speeding: 3916.
“These offences contradict the basics of driving and should be second nature to all drivers and should be instilled in younger drivers,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Smith said.
“Police are there to ensure young people, and all other road users, learn from the experience, in order to prevent a serious injury or fatal crash on our roads.
“These statistics suggest that young people need to slow down, and put the phone away, rather than risk their licence.
“It is certainly high time for mothers and fathers, older brothers and sisters to sit down with their younger driver siblings and tell them that there are no short cuts to driving safely.
“The rules are simple and they are there for a simple reason; surviving the trip. It is those that don’t make it home who have an impact on families, and those that come to rescue them after a crash, and try to save their lives at the roadside, and at hospital.”
