Department of Transport and Main Roads launches new safe car buyers campaign

The Safer cars campaign aims to improve awareness of car safety features for first-time car buyers.

This latest safety campaign aims increase the focus on car safety features when young drivers buy their first car by arming parents with better knowledge about vehicle safety.

The Safer cars campaign encourages parents to be involved in helping young drivers choose a safer first car by increasing their involvement in the purchasing process and putting a focus on safety.

The campaign's website provides information on where safety information can be found as well as a checklist of things to look for when inspecting a vehicle. It also includes information on ANCAP safety ratings and advice on how to check your current vehicle’s safety ratings.

Young drivers aged 17 to 24 make up 13 per cent of Queensland's driving population, but represent around 25 per cent of the state's road toll.

Studies have found their choice of vehicle - which are usually older and smaller with fewer safety features - contribute to them being at greater risk of being involved in a fatal road crash.

In 2003, only 10 per cent of new cars tested by ANCAP achieved a five-star safety rating. By 2009 that number had increased to 60 per cent.

More information can be found on the jointhedrive.qld.gov.au/safe-cars website.