Five most common crash types for provisional drivers
- Colliding with the rear of another vehicle travelling in the same direction (33%)
- Colliding with vehicles from the side (adjacent), usually at intersections (17%)
- Collisions with vehicles from opposing directions (15%)
- Running off on a straight section and hitting something (9%)
- Running off on a curve or bend and hitting something (8%)
Where and when these crashes happen
Most of these crashes occur in daylight in fine weather on dry roads. They are more common in built up areas.
Comparison with full licence holders
Compared to full licence holders, provisional drivers are over-represented in crashes:
- On local roads
- In darkness
- Where their vehicle collides with roadside objects such as trees or fences
Why are provisional drivers involved in more crashes?
The higher involvement of provisional drivers in crashes is partly due to inexperience. People with a lot of experience at something tend to be more skilful. New drivers also do things that increase their crash risk:
- Following too closely behind other vehicles
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Not scanning far enough ahead when driving
- Failing to choose safe gaps when making turns, crossing intersections or overtaking
Avoiding crashes
It is important to know what driving situations are most dangerous for you so you can then identify the skills you need to practice to handle these situations safely. One of the most important of these skills is hazard perception.
Continue reading the Hazard Perception Handbook Summary:
2. Crash Patterns of Provisional Drivers
4. Keeping Space From Other Vehicles
Check out the other resources available to help you pass the Hazard Perception Test so you can take the Practical Driving Test:
L Plates (Learners)
Red P Plates (P1)
Green P Plates (P2)
Full Licence