Fewer young drivers say they have sent or read text messages while driving, according to the latest AAMI young drivers’ survey.

The report says excessive speed, drag-racing, burn-outs, donuts and fish tails are among a range of reckless “hoon-like” behaviours, particularly among young drivers.

Despite evidence that comprehensive government campaigns and the introduction of a range of laws and measures to try and combat these behaviours are having a positive impact, AAMIs ninth annual Young Drivers Index demonstrates some drivers aged 18 to 24 years still persist in dangerous actions, such as speeding and drink-driving, putting not only themselves but the lives of other road users at risk.

AAMI says some safe driving messages are getting traction. Fewer young drivers say they have sent or read text messages while driving, says the survey.

Last year’s survey found 71% of young drivers had admitted to texting while driving and this year it was 69%.

This year, for the first time, young drivers were asked what they worry about when driving on our roads and what they see as the major hazards.

The research reveals young drivers are less likely to worry about bad weather and poor road conditions than other drivers.

According to the Manager of AAMI Skilled Drivers Program, Tony Barber, these findings reflect how young drivers’ inexperience often determines the way they drive and how they are more likely to overestimate their driving ability and take risks.

“Road safety research has identified the most common factors influencing young driver behaviour are overconfidence, overestimation of driving ability and risk taking,” he said.

“Driver safety depends on vital abilities like hazard perception, personal risk perception, plus the motivation to make safe choices. In most cases, the safety of a young driver is going to be determined by how and under what conditions they choose to drive,” Mr Barber said.