Fed: Young drivers most unpopular: survey

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2006
Fed: Young drivers most unpopular: survey

By Jessica Marszalek

BRISBANE, Dec 12 AAP - Australians hold young drivers in such disdain many would not
help them if they ran into trouble on the road side, a survey has found.

A survey of more than 1,100 people by car sales website carsguide.com.au found teenagers
were the least popular drivers on the road.

Respondents said the inexperience of provisional drivers meant they were the most dangerous
road users, and 21 per cent said P-platers were the most intimidating drivers on the road.

Almost 60 per cent said they would not stop to help a young driver with car trouble
and 61 per cent said they would not accept help from a teenage passerby.

Elderly drivers and taxi drivers were also recognised as being some of the worst drivers,
and truck and four-wheel drivers were the most intimidating.

Carsguide.com.au general manager Tony Burrett (Burrett) said the unpopularity of P-plate
drivers was hardly surprising with their over-representation in accident statistics.

But he said it was concerning so many drivers said they would not stop to help young,
inexperienced drivers.

"I'd like to think that someone would help my kids if they were in trouble," Mr Burrett said.

"There's understandable risk in accepting help from a stranger, but it is a shame that
teenagers have been singled out."

The survey also found most people supported further restrictions on P-plate drivers
after dark but 62 per cent did not agree with banning them from carrying passengers.

AAP jmm/pjo/jm/de

KEYWORD: DRIVERS

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