7 in 10 Tasmanians say young drivers regularly cop unnecessary pressure or aggressive behaviour from other motorists, according to new research from RACT.
The findings come as the motoring body uses National Road Safety Week, running from May 17 to 24, to call on all road users to be more patient and supportive around learners and provisional drivers.
RACT Group CEO Mark Mugnaioni said community consultation through the Youth Road Safety Project had shown the behaviour of other drivers was one of the biggest challenges facing learners and their supervisors.
“The young Tasmanians we spoke with said that this type of behaviour impacted their confidence while their mentors’ said aggression towards them made a challenging situation more stressful,” Mugnaioni said.
“This is not a minor issue – stress undermines confidence and reduced confidence is a safety risk.”
“When you tailgate, beep or overtake aggressively, you’re adding pressure to someone who is still developing critical driving skills, often alongside a parent or supervisor who is also feeling that pressure.”
Despite those experiences, just 4% of drivers admitted to being impatient around learners and provisional drivers.
That gap doesn’t surprise RACT driver trainer Kendan Lovell.
“I am out there every day alongside learner drivers and sadly it is a regular experience for drivers to tailgate and behave impatiently and aggressively,” Lovell said.
“The big thing for me is to leave distance between yourself and the car in front.”
“It is also common to view a slow car in front as just an object in your way, but imagine that it is your son, daughter or loved one behind the wheel.”
Supervisors and parents RACT has spoken with over the past eight months have echoed similar concerns, with many saying other road users cause unnecessary stress during lessons.
Mugnaioni said Tasmanians say young drivers face aggression on roads.
“People aged 17 to 29 account for the highest proportion of road fatalities, averaging 9.2 deaths per year over the past five years. Last year alone, that rose to 13,” he said.
“Behind every number is a family, friends and a community that is deeply affected.”
The RACT is delivering the Youth Road Safety Project in partnership with the Tasmanian government as an $8 million, five-year program aimed at improving safety outcomes for young road users across schools, families and communities.
