Parents reminded teens a risk behind the wheel

Crash on SH1 between Pakaraka and Moerewa, January 28, 2011. The AA is using Facebook to remind parents of the risks their teen face while on their restricted licence. Photo / NZH Archive

The AA is using Facebook to remind parents not to turn a blind eye to their children breaching restricted licence conditions.

"Parents have a really important role to make sure their kids stick to their restricted licence conditions," says AA spokesman Dylan Thomsen.

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"The highest risk period in a driver's life is the first year of driving unsupervised and the conditions on a restricted licence are there to help keep inexperienced drivers safe."

The AA has just launched a Facebook quiz for parents (facebook.com/aa.co.nz) to highlight the heightened risks young drivers face and how parents can help their kids be safer on the roads.

"Parents often know their child is breaking the restricted licence rules by carrying passengers or driving after 10pm but don't recognise the increased risks these bring."

The restriction on carrying passengers is because young drivers with a car full of peer passengers are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to driving alone. Young people with other teens as passengers are more at risk of distraction and go faster and take more risks than when they are driving on their own or with an adult supervisor.

Restricted licence holders are also not allowed to drive between 10pm-5am because they have four times more crashes during those hours than driving during the day.

"Even once your child has gained their restricted licence, parents should be staying involved and making sure their kids stick to the restrictions on their licence and make safe choices on the roads."

In 2013 there were 1071 crashes involving young restricted licence holders. These resulted in 18 deaths, 184 serious injuries and 1229 minor injuries.

"Reducing the number of young people hurt and killed on our roads is a really serious message but we've tried to make the quiz a bit fun and people can go in the draw for a range of prizes including 2 AA Defensive Driving Courses."