Beginner drivers are overrepresented in national road accident statistics. Drivers under age 25 commonly account for about twice as many accidents as their proportion in the total driver population, while their accident involvement diminishes with every additional year of driving . About one-half of the over representation of novice drivers in the accident statistics is due to two factors: (1) inexperience, and (2) variables associated with their young age (Select Committee, 1977). Lack of experience implies a lower level of driving skill, largely due to (a) a salient deficiency in the ability of beginner drivers to recognize risk, and (b) overconfidence in their ability to handle the challenges to their safety; and not to their limited vehicle handling skills. For the covering abstract see ITRD E137120.
Abstract