Novice car drivers lie, speed and break laws

They talk their way out of police tickets, speed, drive by themselves on L-plates, lie about log book hours and admit they will break road rules in the future. Meet the high-risk problem children who experts say represents the greatest road safety challenge.

Researchers have studied P-plate drivers to identify the telltale signs of future high-risk behaviour. Of the novice drivers studied, 13 per cent fell into the high-risk group - which included an "over representation" of young men.

These high-risk drivers confessed to fudging logbook hours (12.2 per cent), escaping police fines and speeding. They were also "over involved in crashes" in the first six months of P-plate driving and had a "sensation seeking propensity''.

"The high-risk group also reported that their driving was less safe and more risky (and) reported considerably greater likelihood of bending, and intentions to bend, the road rules in their future driving,'' the study, led by Dr Bridie Scott-Parker of the University of the Sunshine Coast, revealed. "This group of young novice drivers also reported greater willingness to speed when they carried their friends as their passengers.''

Drivers aged between 17 and 25 years make up just 12.9 per cent of Australia's population in 2011 - yet account for 21.9 per cent of road crash fatalities. NSW Centre for Road Safety figures show 60 young people aged between 17 and 25 have been killed in road fatalities this year.

Dr Scott-Parker said a combination of education, enforcement, parental involvement and devices such as alcohol ignition locks could be used to target dangerous young drivers.

"During the learner phase we want them to be compliant with the road rules and develop great habits so when they go out by themselves it is automatic to be safe," she said. "We want mum and dad to be as engaged as possible.'' NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said the majority of young drivers were good but agreed education and enforcement were critical.

Learner driver Jamie Kerr, 18, is using a mix of professional and parental lessons to ensure she gets the best training possible to be a safe driver. She said the strict logbook training requirements were excellent. "I am very nervous on the road and I prefer someone telling me how to do things,'' she said. "It is very relieving to have that extra set of eyes and someone to help you out."

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