Road Safety

Young drivers aged 17 to 19 are three times more likely to have a crash resulting in death than drivers aged 20 years or older so it’s important to plan to make every journey safe this Leavers.

  • Plan your trip before you hit the road – know your route, rest stops, and estimated arrival time. Share these details with a parent or guardian. 

  • Let someone know your plans – tell a trusted adult where you’re staying, who you’re travelling with, and when you expect to arrive. 

  • Check in regularly – a quick message or call to let someone know you’re safe goes a long way. 

  • Tom’s Law is a reminder that one decision can change everything – make smart choices before and during your trip, and if you’re on your red P plates, ensure you follow the law and avoid driving with passengers unless permitted. 

  • Avoid driving tired or distracted – take breaks, rotate drivers if possible, and stay off your phone. 

  • Make sure your car is road-ready – check tyres, fuel, lights and fluids before heading off. 

  • Save emergency contacts in your phone – and make sure your phone is charged before you travel. 

Be aware of the risks

  • Novice drivers are more likely to be involved in a crash at night due to their inexperience and reduced visibility. 

  • Novice drivers may experience increased fatigue and distraction. 

  • Driving on unfamiliar roads can reduce the ability to predict hazards.

How to minimise the risks

  • Ensure the car is roadworthy before leaving. 

  • Know your insurance and roadside assistance details.

  • Drive in daylight hours and take regular breaks/share the driving. 

  • School is over and there are no deadlines on Leavers. So take your time, don't go above the speed limit and don't rush to overtake. 

  • Put mobile phones in the boot or have them switched to 'do not disturb while driving' mode. 

  • Buckle Up. Make sure to wear your seatbelt, it could save your life. 

Safe driving behaviours

  • Ensure you and your passengers are wearing a seatbelt. 

  • Keep a minimum of a two second gap from the vehicle in front. 

  • Drive to the conditions. 

  • Be patient and calm.

  • Drive in harmony with heavy vehicles - be aware of blind spots and extra braking distances, and maintain a constant speed.

  • Look out for wildlife.

Pedestrian Safety

  • Use footpaths. If there are none, walk on the far right so you can see and react to oncoming traffic. 

  • Move off the road until the vehicle passes. 

  • Avoid texting while walking. 

  • Walk under streetlights or ensure you have a torch light on you. 

  • Look out for each other and stay together.

  • Consider wearing bright clothing if walking at night. 

  • Make sure to look after your mates. 

What to do if you see an accident on the road

  • Check it's safe before you help, especially on roads (Danger in DRSABCD). 

  • Call Triple Zero (000) - The St John communications officer will talk you through First Aid and will help keep you calm (Send for help in DRSABCD). 

  • Check and open the airways of those involved in the crash by a simple tilt of the head - a closed airway is the most common cause of death (Airway in DRSABCD). 

Be prepared: 

  • Download St John's First Responder App - it provides a GPS location when a Triple Zero (000) call is activated through the app and has free First Aid guides. 

  • Consider purchasing a first aid kit for your car. 

  • Spend 30 minutes completing a free first aid course designed for new drivers called Click to Save - it may save a life.   

For more information about staying safe on the road this Leavers, visit Staying safe on WA roads.