By Tim Beissmann | March
12th, 2013

 
Learner drivers in NSW will be able to cut their compulsory
supervised driving hours by one third and travel at higher speeds following a
shake-up of the learner program announced by the State Government today.

 Roads Minister Duncan Gay announced the introduction of the Safer Drivers
Course, which, when combined with professional driving lessons, allows learners
to reduce their number of compulsory supervised driving hours from 120 to
80.

From July 1, learners will also be allowed to travel at speeds up to 90km/h –
10km/h faster than before – which Minister Gay said was designed to give them
more supervised driving experience at higher speeds in preparation for their
graduation to P-plates.

“This is a first step in rewarding the state’s younger drivers for learning
safer behaviour behind the wheel,” Gay said.

“Young drivers are tragically over-represented in the NSW road toll and we
want to ensure they are all given the opportunity to learn about road safety
while they are still learning the basics of driving.”


 The Safer Drivers Course has been developed by a board of road safety experts
including representatives from NSW Police, Roads and Maritime Services and the
Centre for Road Safety, as well as road safety researchers and education
specialists.

Gay said the course had the support of an advisory panel comprising
representatives from the NRMA, driver training associations and community-based
road safety education providers.

 “We’ve carried out market research with parents and learner drivers who
believe the course will benefit them,” he said. “They have told us it tackles
the very aspects beginners face when they first start driving.

 “The course deals with different road conditions, understanding factors
beyond a driver’s control and also helps identify risks on the road. This is a
different approach to conventional driver training which focuses more on the
mechanics of driving and road rules.

 “The course will help those young drivers who struggle to log 120 hours
behind the wheel while on their L-plates while at the same time addressing
safety issues they will face when they first drive solo.”

 Completing the Safer Drivers Course gives learners 20 hours credit towards
their 120-hour logbook total. Completing 10 hours of professional lessons
likewise gives learners 20 hours credit for their logbook (the 20 bonus hours
are in addition to the 10 hours spent driving during the lessons).

The Government recommends that learners enrol in the course after completing
50 hours in their logbooks, by which stage they should have basic driving skills
and understand and appreciate the lessons taught.

Gay confirmed the cost of the course would be capped at an “affordable
price”, with any additional costs of delivering the course to be covered by the
Community Road Safety Fund.
 The Government also announced a pilot program aimed at helping young drivers
from remote, lower socio-economic and Aboriginal communities meet the
requirements to qualify for their P-plates.

Under the pilot program, under-25-year-olds will be able to obtain a
provisional drivers licence for driving to work, education and medical
appointments. They will only be given the restricted licence if they complete at
least 50 supervised driving hours and pass a driving test.

Pedestrian safety


People over 60 and young children account for the greatest number of pedestrian injuries and
fatalities. At present 40% of pedestrians killed are aged 60 or over, although only about 17% of
the population are in this age group. 


 
  This ageing of the population will increase the proportion of pedestrians at risk.



The Government must therefore conduct public education and advertising campaigns targeting this more
vulnerable group



The safety of pedestrians must be improved through the provision of adequate road crossing
facilities, audio-tactile signals and ramps for wheelchairs, prams and shopping
trolleys. 

Have you noticed the number of pedestrians wishing to cross at Roundabouts and the incidents where
vehicles do not stop?



Technology can already vary pedestrian signal crossing times for the needs of particular user groups.
In the next decade more sophisticated devices will be able to measure the speed at which users cross and


Lengthen the ‘walk’ time if a user is at risk.



 The RMS must develop information programs about the use of such facilities, especially for seniors and children.



Lower speed limits represent one of the most effective safety improvements. 
 
New strategies in road safety

During the next decade local and state Government  must seek to lead changes in community perception of the importance of road safety by


• raising the level of awareness of road safety issues



• improving community understanding of what we are doing in road safety.



• increasing the ability of Local Government to implement initiatives and improve road safety at a local level



•
promoting greater involvement and better co-ordination with all road safety
stakeholders.