The selection of old and unsafe cars is killing young drivers on Australian roads, according to Monash University research.

A new study conducted by the Monash University Accident Research Centre found the types of cars selected by drivers aged 17 to 25 is a major contributor to high road fatalities in that age group.

The study, funded by Australian motoring associations and road authorities, investigated more than 250,000 crashes in Australia and NZ between 2001 and 2005.

It found young men gravitate toward old cars while women often pick smaller vehicles.

Holden Commodores manufactured between 1986 and 1993 are favoured by young men, but have a safety rating of only two stars, while popular female choices the Ford Laser (1982-88) and Hyundai Excel (1995-2000) score just one star – the lowest safety rating available.

Cars with low safety ratings often incur serious damage in the event of a crash, with obvious ramifications for driver safety and insurance.

The type of car driven was found to increase risk of death or serious injury by 11% in the event of an accident. Top-rated cars could reduce death and injuries by more than 80%, research team member Stuart Newstead said.

“If we want to reduce the high rate of road fatalities and serious injuries in this age group, we should be taking heed of this research and looking at ways to change the car choices young people are making,” he said.