Young driver factbase

The policy environment for young drivers is a sensitive and sometimes heated, media-driven one in which the evidence about interventions being considered can take a back-seat to headlines, public response and pressure from different interest groups.

A balance is needed between policies that save lives but also allow mobility and do not inadvertently disadvantage subgroups of young drivers beyond a level the community deems reasonable and practicable.

It is within this context that The George Institute has developed an online tool to help policymakers and other stakeholders, such as media, youth practitioners and interest groups, understand and consider the available evidence about young driver safety issues. The objectives are to:

  • Provide plain English summaries and discussions of available research evidence
  • Offer an evidence-based position on controversial issues
  • Introduce new research outcomes into the pool of evidence under consideration and
  • Identify gaps in our current understanding of best-practice road safety for young drivers

The definition of “young driver” varies widely from research study to study, but in the Young Driver Factbase it typically covers ages 16 - 25 years.

Further reading