Statistics from AMI Insurance show that drivers under the age of 25 are 26 per cent more likely to be involved in a car accident than compared to all other drivers.
Whether your parents said it or you thought of it yourself, most of us have probably heard the term ‘invincible’ being thrown around when referring to young drivers.
The fact of the matter is, a young driver’s lack of experience, awareness and training have contributed to their riskier road status which has been proven by AMI Insurance’s latest data.
Northland is shown to be the riskiest region for drivers under 25 with the average rate of claims being 25 per cent, 6 per cent higher than the nationwide average of 19 per cent.
Following behind is the East Coast at 22 per cent, along with Hawkes Bay, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty all at 21 per cent.
Auckland and Canterbury are both at 18 per cent, Wellington at 17 per cent, and Nelson with the lowest rate of claims at 15 per cent.
According to AMI, driver training is the best way to create safe young drivers.
Hamish Piercy, Fleet Risk Manager for AMI, says “There are a lot of great young drivers out there, and some excellent driver education programmes, but these statistics show that we can’t be complacent when it comes to driver safety.”
He added that in order to gain experience on the road, young drivers need to get behind the wheel as much as possible, which must be enabled in a safe manner.
Online driver training is a way in which AMI recommends younger drivers gain said experience without putting themselves at risk out on the road.
Getting experience in all types of conditions and environments is a way in which drivers can develop their skills. This includes clear weather, rain, wind, rush hour traffic, motorways, urban areas, and rural environments.
Being courteous to other drivers while always looking ahead as far as possible can also mitigate accidents.
Parents and caregivers should also let young learners drive as much as possible to build confidence on the road while being supervised.
Passengers should never determine how you drive either. The responsibility as the driver is to ensure your own safety along with any other passengers, as well as other drivers on the road.
Mr Piercy also recommends young drivers should choose a car that has safety features like ABS, airbags, and pre-tensioning seat belts.
AMI recommends that drivers should stop where it is safe to do so and make sure everyone’s okay.
Exchange details with the other driver including their name, their address, phone number, email, license number, and their vehicle registration number. Take photographs of all damage.
Check if the other party has insurance and encourage them to lodge a claim also. Take note of their insurance company if they know it, collect the details of any witnesses, and contact your insurer to lodge your claim.
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