Citation

Senserrick TM. J. Saf. Res. 2007; 38(2): 237-244.

Affiliation

Center for Injury Research and Prevention (formerly TraumaLink), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th St. and Civic Center Blvd., 3535 Market Street, Suite 1024, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, U.S. National Safety Council, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jsr.2007.03.002

PMID

17478194

Abstract

Australian young driver education and training approaches have differed from the mandatory school-based programs found internationally; generally comprising voluntary programs conducted outside of licensing. This paper reports on recent developments pertaining to the pre-learner, learner, and provisional license stages. Given its important context, state-based graduated driver licensing systems are also reviewed. There has been a shift toward starting driver education younger (pre-learner), greater involvement of parents, and more school-based programs; many now conducted by licensing authorities. The majority of initiatives are yet to be evaluated, particularly relative to crash outcomes; however, some studies suggest other positive outcomes, including increased supervised practice and delayed licensure. Furthermore, the federal government is proceeding with plans for a national license-based program. Several jurisdictions have also announced the introduction of passenger and nighttime restrictions on provisional licenses. Together these initiatives offer promise of reductions in young driver-related fatalities and injuries in the very near future.

Language: en