Why New Drivers Crash More and How to Reduce Your Risk in Victoria

New drivers are about three times more likely than experienced drivers to be involved in a crash that causes injury or death. The first months and years of solo driving carry the most risk. That is exactly why Victoria uses a graduated licensing system.

What increases the risk

• driving affected by alcohol or drugs
• speeding
• using a mobile phone or another device
• passengers in the car
• other distractions
• fatigue
• not wearing a seatbelt
• poor vehicle maintenance

Speed

There is a clear link between speed and crashes. The faster you go, the greater the risk and the worse the injuries. Speed is a factor in almost 20% of fatal crashes and about 30% of crashes involving only one vehicle, such as running off the road. Speeding is riskier for new solo drivers because it gives you less time to scan, anticipate hazards and decide.

Choose when and where to drive

Even with 120 hours of learner experience you should not jump in the deep end. In your first six months on P plates, avoid driving much in situations where you have little experience, such as:

• very late at night
• peak-hour city traffic
• freeways and rural roads
• wet weather, fog, snow and ice
• gravel and dirt roads

Build your experience slowly. Choose a safe car with features like airbags and Electronic Stability Control, and keep tyres and the vehicle well maintained.

Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.