Young Drivers and the Law © Karen Devine 2010

What are the Conditions that Give Rise to Reform? Many young lives are cut short and families devastated. Many young lives are cut short and families devastated. The NSW government needs to protect people from themselves and encourage them to drive safely and responsibly. The NSW government needs to protect people from themselves and encourage them to drive safely and responsibly. © Karen Devine 2010

What are the Conditions that Give Rise to Reform? Deaths involving P- Plate drivers are increasing. Deaths involving P- Plate drivers are increasing. Young drivers account for 1/3 of the road fatalities. Young drivers account for 1/3 of the road fatalities. © Karen Devine 2010

What are the Conditions that Give Rise to Reform? Young male drivers are over-represented in the fatal crash statistics. Young male drivers are over-represented in the fatal crash statistics. Younger drivers engage in more risk taking behaviours in vehicles. Younger drivers engage in more risk taking behaviours in vehicles. © Karen Devine 2010

What are the Conditions that Give Rise to Reform? Younger drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes after dark. Younger drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes after dark. © Karen Devine 2010

Some Reforms Safety ratings of new cars. Safety ratings of new cars. Safety ratings of second- hand cars. Safety ratings of second- hand cars. Education about driver safe practices. Education about driver safe practices. Involvement of agencies such as the NRMA and RTA. Involvement of agencies such as the NRMA and RTA. © Karen Devine 2010

Laws for Young Drivers A driver knowledge test must be passed. A driver knowledge test must be passed. An eyesight test must also be passed. An eyesight test must also be passed. Introduction of the Graduated Licensing Scheme in 2000 which includes changes to: Introduction of the Graduated Licensing Scheme in 2000 which includes changes to: a) Learners licences b) Provisional licences © Karen Devine 2010

Laws for Young Drivers Learners have restrictions on them regarding: Learners have restrictions on them regarding: a) zero alcohol limits b) maximum speeds c) no trailer or caravan towing d) displaying of L-plates e) supervision by a licensed driver f) no demerit points permitted. g) log book must be kept. © Karen Devine 2010

Laws for Young Drivers Provisional 1 Licence drivers are restricted in activities such as: Provisional 1 Licence drivers are restricted in activities such as: a) must have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC). b) maximum driving speeds apply c) manual vs. automatic car driving permissions d) restrictions exist for one year e) light trailers can be towed f) driving of high performance cars restricted. g) number of passengers able to be carried © Karen Devine 2010

Laws for Young Drivers Provisional 2 Licence drivers are restricted in activities such as: Provisional 2 Licence drivers are restricted in activities such as: a) a zero BAC applies b) a maximum driving speed of 100kms/hr c) light trailers can be towed d) driving of high performance cars restricted e) drivers must be on this licence for 30 months. © Karen Devine 2010

Laws for Young Drivers Learners and P-Platers are given less initial points on their licence than silver or gold licence drivers. Learners and P-Platers are given less initial points on their licence than silver or gold licence drivers. Severe penalties exist for speeding offences. Severe penalties exist for speeding offences. © Karen Devine 2010

Effectiveness of the Law ALCOHOL AND DRIVING. Drink driving is a factor in about 18 per cent of all fatal crashes in NSW. Drink driving is a factor in about 18 per cent of all fatal crashes in NSW. The figure is even higher in country areas. Most drink driving incidents occur in rural areas. The figure is even higher in country areas. Most drink driving incidents occur in rural areas. The majority (90%) of drink drivers in fatal crashes are men. The majority (90%) of drink drivers in fatal crashes are men. 33% of all drivers in fatal crashes are aged years. (Yet, they are only 1/7 of all licensed drivers). 33% of all drivers in fatal crashes are aged years. (Yet, they are only 1/7 of all licensed drivers). 30% of all fatal drink drive crashes occur between 9 pm and 3 am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. 30% of all fatal drink drive crashes occur between 9 pm and 3 am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. © Karen Devine 2010

Road Accidents and Fatalities For the 12 month period ending in July 2009, there were 450 fatalities on NSW roads, whereas there were 24,000 casualties. For the 12 month period ending in July 2009, there were 450 fatalities on NSW roads, whereas there were 24,000 casualties. Most fatalities do not occur at an intersection but on a major road. Most fatalities do not occur at an intersection but on a major road. © Karen Devine 2010

Road Accidents and Fatalities Most accidents are car crashes. Most accidents are car crashes. NSW has the highest incidence of fatalities. NSW has the highest incidence of fatalities. However, the overall trend in fatalities is heading downwards. However, the overall trend in fatalities is heading downwards. © Karen Devine 2010

Road Accidents and Fatalities If there is a fatality, the driver is most likely to be killed. If there is a fatality, the driver is most likely to be killed. A 17 year old driver is four times more likely to be involved in a crash than older drivers. A 17 year old driver is four times more likely to be involved in a crash than older drivers. © Karen Devine 2010

Road Accidents and Fatalities Young drivers are at a greater risk of being involved in a crash if they have passengers in the car. Young drivers are at a greater risk of being involved in a crash if they have passengers in the car. There is also an increased risk of accidents for younger drivers at night. There is also an increased risk of accidents for younger drivers at night. © Karen Devine 2010

Pause Point Watch film on Car Accidents. (Graphic) Watch film on Car Accidents. (Graphic) Car Accidents. Car Accidents. © Karen Devine 2010

Question Time? What other legal measures may be developed to decrease road accidents further? What other legal measures may be developed to decrease road accidents further? © Karen Devine 2010