Rise in young passenger deaths prompts warning

07 Jul 2015

An increase in the number of teenage passengers killed on Victorian roads has prompted calls for the state's youths to look out for themselves and their mates when driving.

In the year to June 30, 15 people aged 16 to 17 died on Victorian roads, up from two the previous year. Most of the deaths involved passengers (11), two were pedestrians, one was a cyclist and one was driving.

Transport Accident Commission Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the figures highlighted the need for young people to develop ways to stay safe, whether they are a newly-licenced driver or riding in the passenger seat.

"From the age of 16, young people are becoming more independent and often it's the time in their lives when they start to find themselves riding as a passenger with a newly-licenced mate," Ms Dore said.

"It's crucial they develop strategies to keep safe, by speaking up or removing themselves from a situation when they see a driver taking risks, whether that is speeding, drink driving, driving tired or allowing themselves to be distracted by passengers or a mobile device."

Victoria Police figures show drivers are nearly four times more likely to be involved in a serious or fatal crash in their first year of driving.

"We know most young drivers try to do the right thing and often their crashes relate to inexperience, rather than deliberate risk-taking like speeding or using a mobile phone," Ms Dore said.

"Families of young people are in a great position to help keep them safe and talking about when and how their safety might be put at risk is a good start."

Strategies for parents include offering to taxi their children and their mates to keep them out of particularly risky situations.  More information to help parents can be found at saferpplaters.com.au

Ms Dore also encouraged schools to offer the Fit2Drive program, peer-facilitated workshops in which Year 11 students develop strategies to be safe passengers and are given the skills to understand and avoid risky driving.

"Too many Victorians have mourned the loss of a young life on the roads simply because a wrong decision was made. That's why it's so important to have that conversation and empower young people to stay safe," she said.

The TAC is working with the Andrews Government to deliver its election promises of a practical safe driving program and the Road Safety Education Complex to help young Victorians stay safe on the roads.

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