Citation

Norman P, Middleton N, Nightingale C. J. Australas. Coll. Road Saf. 2015; 26(4): 54-62.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Australasian College of Road Safety)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

New rules to protect P-platers were introduced in South Australia on 28 July 2014. The changes are the most significant made to the Graduated Licensing Scheme in this State, applying both peer-passenger and night-time driving restrictions to P1 drivers and extending the time on a provisional licence from two to three years. The reforms represent almost three years of work including a major public consultation process, the drafting of legislation and passage of the Bill through Parliament. An inter-agency project group was responsible for successfully implementing the changes. While reforms of this nature are never easy, the consultation process at each milestone was critical to success. It concentrated on the fact that the proposed reforms reflect international best practice, are evidence-based and that individual components were already in place in other parts of the country. In addition, an extensive crash analysis was undertaken to work out the casualty savings if the laws had been in place during the previous five years, presenting a compelling case to Parliamentary members and the community. Much work was done to ensure these initiatives had the backing of major stakeholders, many of whom were strong advocates for the new laws throughout the process. This partnership approach, together with sound evidence and a commitment to bringing the community along with us has meant a relatively smooth and successful implementation of these reforms. Most importantly, this achievement will have real and long lasting benefits for young South Australian drivers, their parents and the wider community.

Language: en