Young drivers tend to be more impulsive for biological reasons. Picture: Calum Robertson / The Advertiser Source: The Advertiser
- Prefrontal cortex not fully developed
- Part of brain involved in reasoning
- Pressure on young males to take risks
YOUNG drivers have underdeveloped brains that make them more impulsive and less able to properly assess risks - reasons why they are involved in so many crashes.
Dr Lisa Wundersitz, from the Centre for Automotive Research, said brain development was one of three key issues behind the high number of young people injured or killed on our roads.She said research has shown that inexperience, distractions from modern technology and a cultural tendency to "take risks" were the reason for most accidents.
"There is a biological element the prefrontal cortex of the brain is not fully developed until they are in their 20s," she said.
"This means their long-term planning skills, reasoning and impulse skills are all lacking.
"Typically, a lot of people might speed because they love the adrenaline rush it's sensation seeking.
"I guess you want to experience certain impulses and as we get older, you might have the same impulse but you will think of the consequences as well."
Drivers aged 16 to 24 account for 13 per cent of the state's drivers but were last year involved in 33 per cent of fatal crashes.
Dr Wundersitz, who will host a seminar today on young driver behaviour, said the most dangerous time for young drivers was during the first six months of their probationary license.
"That's thought to be because of two factors inexperience and risk-taking behaviour," she said.
"Risk-taking behaviour is particularly prevalent in young males.
Distractions
"This is a difficult issue because risk-taking is promoted in our culture it's everywhere, it's on television and it's looked at as being a highly prized virtue.
"But risky behaviour on our roads is not cool and it should not be seen as desirable."
Dr Wundersitz said modern technology was also leading to an increase in young driver crashes.
"You have mobile phones, GPS, iPods, entertainment screens it can be quite distracting.
"An inexperienced driver suddenly has to divide their attention between driving and these distractions.
"It's more difficult for them than a more experienced driver, where the driving process is more automated."
She said technological advances in cars would go a long way to keeping young drivers safe but newer vehicles were often used by parents.
"Electronic stability control detects a loss of steering control and automatically brakes individual wheels," Dr Wundersitz said.
"Lots of young people are involved in crashes that are just a single vehicle losing control.
"ESC has been found to have reduced single vehicle crashes by around 35 per cent. The problem is, young drivers usually drive vehicles that are on average 14 years old."
Dr Wundersitz said the Centre for Automotive Research wanted the State Government to restrict passenger numbers for inexperienced drivers to prevent them falling victim to pressure from their mates.
The Government has already passed legislation to extend the learner period from six to 12 months.
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