Safety Features Linked To Aggressive Driving In Young Aussie Males

AAMI Insurance
August 16, 2010

New research (1) released today by leading national motor vehicle insurer AAMI has found one in six (16%) young male drivers aged 18 to 24 years would drive more aggressively because their car had added safety features.

AAMI spokesperson Mike Sopinski said this was a concerning trend among young males, with the figure for drivers in this age group well above the national average.

“Road safety is a serious issue, with over 1,300 fatal crashes occurring on Australian roads in 2009 alone2,” Mr Sopinski said.

“So anything that may help to improve the safety of drivers, passengers and other road users should be treated as a priority.

“Thankfully, most motorists recognise that while vehicle safety features can provide valuable extra protection in an emergency situation, they aren’t an excuse for reckless behaviour behind the wheel. Averaged across all driver age groups, only 5% of drivers nationally said they would drive more aggressively because their car had added safety features – although the figure does rise among young male drivers.

“On a positive note AAMI’s research also found that safety is certainly top of mind for many motorists, with features including anti-lock braking systems (ABS), pre-tensioning seatbelts and air bags at the top of the priority list for Australian drivers.”

The research, which asked drivers to rate the importance of various active and passive vehicle safety features, found that driver and front seat air bags, and ABS were considered the most essential with two-thirds of survey respondents (64%) rating them as extremely important. Pre-tensioning seatbelts were next on the list at 61%. “More than half of Australian drivers surveyed (55%) rated emergency brake assist as an extremely important feature and traction control was also scored highly by 50%.”

Other vehicle safety features which were rated extremely important by Australian motorists included electronic stability control (44%) and active head rests (43%).

AAMI’s research also showed that added safety features could have a positive impact on drivers’ attitudes behind the wheel.

“Almost half of drivers surveyed (46%) said they drove more confidently because their car had added safety features,” Mr Sopinski said.

“AAMI is encouraging all Australian drivers, regardless of age or vehicle features, to exercise caution and ensure they drive safely whenever they are out on the road.”

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: Mike Sopinski, AAMI Media Manager, 07 3135 3997 or 0421 052 598

(1) AAMI’s research is based on an independent internet survey of 2,818 Australians, conducted by IPSOS Research across all states and territories. Collected data is carefully weighted in line with current ABS population demographics to ensure any extrapolation of results is representative of age, gender and population on a regional, state and national basis.

(2) Australian Road Deaths Database: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/safety/road_fatality_statistics/fatal_road_crash_database.aspx (24/06/10).

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