Polygraph testing reveals the truth about young drivers

Polygraph tests of more than 250 university students has revealed that most young drivers speed and drive with too many people in the car. 
In a world-first, 282 university students aged up to 21 from NSW and the ACT took part in the on-campus polygraph experiment conducted by NRMA´s Free2go.

Free2go provides free roadside assistance to young drivers aged 17 and 18 and special benefits on driver education and training.

Young drivers were asked safety-related questions. The polygraph registered physical changes such as sweating, increased blood pressure and breathing patterns when they lied. The tests found:

• 92 per cent don´t obey the speed limit.
• 69 per cent have been a passenger in a car when the driver has been drinking.
• 62 per cent have driven with too many people in the car.
• 36 per cent have driven when they knew they had too much to drink.
• 32 per cent don´t always wear a seat belt.

NRMA Free2go spokesman, Ed MacSmith, said the polygraph tests were conducted as a way of getting the message across that irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel is causing unnecessary death and injury among young drivers.

?Young drivers know that speeding, drink driving and not wearing seat belts are all dangerous ? but many still do it,? Mr MacSmith said.

?Of the 282 respondents to the survey only 74 claimed they stuck to the speed limit ? and 77 per cent of them weren´t telling the truth. Putting too many people in the car is dangerous ? yet two thirds of respondents do it and 69 of those who claimed they didn´t, got caught out.

?NRMA has been asked by the NSW Government to be part of its taskforce to look at ways to curb young driver deaths,? Mr MacSmith said.

?We look forward to representing young drivers in this regard, but we also believe that education and training has a role to play.?

The survey also found that 55 per cent of young drivers can´t change a tyre.

?Free roadside assistance will be of great comfort to these drivers, as well as discounts on NRMA´s Driving School, education and training programs,? Mr MacSmith said.

The tests occurred over a one-week period at the University of Canberra, University of Western Sydney (Penrith) and Macquarie University. 

Mr MacSmith said the fun new approach to discussing road safety issues with young drivers is a small part of NRMA´s extensive research in to measures which will reduce the loss of young lives on our roads.