Young drivers across Australia are being urged to take extra care on the roads as new safety warnings target motorists under the age of 27. Road safety authorities have highlighted three critical risks contributing to crashes among younger drivers, prompting fresh reminders ahead of the busy spring and summer travel season.
Mobile Phone Distractions on the Rise
One of the most pressing warnings relates to the increasing misuse of mobile phones behind the wheel. According to Transport for NSW, drivers under 27 remain the most likely age group to engage in distracting activities such as texting or browsing social media while driving. Despite strict penalties — ranging from $362 to $481 fines and five demerit points depending on the state — authorities say young motorists continue to underestimate the dangers. Police warn that even split-second distractions can double crash risks, particularly for those with limited driving experience.
Speeding and Risk-Taking Behaviour
Excessive speed has also been identified as a major risk factor for younger drivers. Data from the Australian Automobile Association shows that drivers aged 17 to 26 are disproportionately represented in speed-related crashes, especially in rural and regional areas. Authorities say risk-taking tendencies, including overtaking in unsafe conditions or exceeding speed limits by small margins, continue to contribute to fatalities. Penalties for speeding vary by state, but fines can exceed $2,500 with licence suspension for serious breaches. Officials are urging young drivers to recognise that it is not only high-speed driving but also minor speeding that significantly increases crash severity.
Night Driving Dangers
Another warning focuses on night-time driving, a period when crash risks are far higher for those under 27. A report from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) has revealed that fatigue and reduced visibility play a large role in young driver accidents during late-night and early-morning hours. Provisional and probationary licence holders, who already face restrictions on peer passengers at night in several states, are still overrepresented in fatal crashes occurring during these times. Road safety experts stress the importance of planning trips carefully, avoiding unnecessary late-night journeys, and being aware of the signs of fatigue.
State-Specific Enforcement and Penalties
Different states are reinforcing these warnings through targeted enforcement operations. In New South Wales, double demerits and mobile phone detection cameras are being used during peak holiday periods, while Victoria has announced increased roadside patrols focusing on regional highways. Queensland authorities are highlighting their “covert speed camera” strategy, aimed particularly at high-risk age groups. These measures reflect rising concern about youth crash statistics, with police and safety groups emphasising that education alone is not reducing road trauma quickly enough.
Road Safety Experts Call for Cultural Change
While enforcement plays a role, experts argue that longer-term cultural change is needed to bring down the toll of youth-related road trauma. Road safety researcher Professor Teresa Senserrick told the media that young drivers require both education and real-world experience in managing distractions, controlling speed, and dealing with fatigue. Campaigns are being developed to reach this age group through platforms they engage with most, including social media. Authorities hope peer-to-peer campaigns will encourage young people to hold each other accountable behind the wheel. As Australia heads into the end-of-year travel season, the message from safety officials is clear: mobile phone distractions, speeding, and night-time driving remain the biggest dangers for drivers under 27. Police say avoiding these risks could mean the difference between life and death.
