Many young drivers use
the phone, plant the foot: Survey
From The West Australian
By Unknown
February 28, 2006
Almost half of young drivers regularly
speak on mobile phones and send text messages while behind the wheel,
and about a quarter have driven at more than 140kmh, a survey shows.
The annual Safe Drive Young Driver survey, conducted
by Brisbane company Safe Drive Training, asked more than 3000 young
drivers aged 17 to 20 about their driving experiences and their attitudes.
The survey uncovered alarming figures.
Forty-four per cent of respondents admitted they regularly
used mobile phones, for voice and SMS, while driving.
Twenty-six per cent admitted driving at speed of more
than 140kmh, despite most being P-platers, and 64 per cent said they
had been a passenger in a car that had exceeded 140kmh.
Sixty per cent said they had perpetrated or been witness
to a road rage incident and 4 per cent admitted driving under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.
Managing director and chief
instructor for Safe Driving Training, Joel Neilsen, said the survey
highlighted the need to train better novice drivers in skills and
attitudes.
