Teen Car Accident Statistics

07-April-2010

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New research released today by Carhistory.com.au - Australian vehicle history website - and teen social media outlet Habbo Hotel, reveals one in 10 (10%) Australian teenagers has had a car accident.

Despite having an honest and sensible approach to road safety, the survey found the majority (53%) of Generation Z (those aged 12 to 18) are learning driving skills from their parents or siblings, rather than professional driving instructors (33%).

In light of the findings and the recent spate of youth road incidents, Regional Director Asia Pacific of Habbo Jeff Brookes called on the Federal Government to consider a subsidised national driving skills program for teens.

"Carhistory.com.au and Habbo Hotel are encouraging the Federal Government to develop a national plan to better prepare Australian teenagers for the road.

"Professional driving lessons can be an expense many families cannot afford, however the skills learned from a professional instructor could be life-saving for Australian teens and others sharing the road.

"We would like to see incentives developed to encourage teens to take professional instruction at the L and P plate level and for the Federal Government to consider offering professional driving programs through secondary schools," says Jeff.

The nationally representative online study of more than 1000 teenagers, aged between 12 and 18 years, was conducted by Habbo (www.habbo.com.au) in March, 2010. With a quarter of respondents revealing they currently have a car and a further 49% planning to purchase one in the next year, the survey represents the next generation of Australia's drivers.