More than 20% of driver deaths in 2024 were motorists under 25: Vehicle education is key

Australia recorded 1300 road deaths in 2024, an increase of 3.3 per cent year-on-year, with those aged under 25 accounting for 283 of them[1]; the sobering statistics have prompted motoring experts to call for greater vehicle education.

Speed is one of the biggest killers on our roads, and the team at Battery World Australia is drawing attention to the dangers of travelling in a vehicle at high speed and the fact that the vehicle's condition can also play a key role in staying on the road.

Things like the tread on the tyres, a functional and regularly serviced braking system, suspension and clean windows to improve driver visibility are all factors. 

"Taking care of your 'wheels' is key and with cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect household budgets, many families are holding onto their cars longer, some setting aside purchasing a new vehicle or even delaying services," adds Johnny Kennedy, former Automotive Engineer and General Manager of Battery World. 

Many young drivers in Australia lack in-depth knowledge of the mechanical aspects of their vehicles, largely because driving tests focus on road safety and basic car control and ignore education about the inner workings of the car itself.

Vehicle wear and tear, the power of certain models and little things like knowing what the lights on the dashboard mean is crucial for any motorist, but particularly those in the most vulnerable categories, like teens.

YOUNG MOTORISTS MUST …

• Know the maintenance history of your car - when it's due for a service; when it was last serviced and so on.
• Know how to identify problems with tyres and brakes and then learning some maintenance strategies to keep on top of them is a good start, but just as important and often overlooked, is understanding and maintaining the car's electrical system.
• Know where the washer bottle is and how to top it up when required and noticing when the wiper blades are worn and to replace them.
• Ensure you're across what the symbols mean on the dash - it's basically like a traffic light system. Red means stop, immediate action required; Orange means caution, something is not quite right, and Green means a function is set or active.
• Know how to change a tyre and the type of fuel you need to put in your car. Not all vehicles take all fuel options.
• Get your car battery regularly checked! Over 50% of all vehicle breakdowns are related to the starter battery. Battery World offers FREE battery health checks.

Motoring experts say that a growing reliance on technology and automated systems in cars that make the mechanics less obvious to drivers are dumbing down the importance of vehicle safety.

Johnny says that while being able to drive solo is liberating time, those getting behind the wheel for the first time must put the excitement aside and respect what it takes to be a safe road user. 

"As important as concentration and navigation skills are, vehicle maintenance education and safety are vital - it is all part of being a responsible motorist."

With the advancement of vehicle technology and electrical systems in all cars, whether they be petrol, diesel, Hybrid or Electric Vehicles, today, the battery has more demands on it than ever before and will give you little to no warning when it fails.

Insurance companies like PD Insurance encourage drivers to understand what their car is telling them. This can prevent serious damage and assist in becoming a more confident driver.

"Pay attention to your lights throughout every drive," its website says. "Keeping your eye on things will allow you and your car to work in sync. If anything, extraordinary occurs, you'll be alerted to issues as soon as they arise."

First-time drivers can learn about vehicle safety and maintenance in plenty of ways. Head to https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/safety/vehicle-standards-and-safety for a range of guidelines and safety information. For all your battery-related tips, jump onto www.batteryworld.com.au/expert-advice or drop in and ask a local Battery World team member today.
 

[1] https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/australias-2024-road-toll-the-deadliest-in-over-a-decade