Learner focus on deadly driving years

TASMANIA’S learner-driver program is being assessed after it was revealed people aged between 17 and 25 make up a third of the state’s road crash fatalities and serious injuries.

A panel of experts gathered yesterday at a young driver symposium in Hobart to discuss why road trauma remains the second leading cause of death for the age group.

Assistant Commissioner Glenn Frame said speeding and inattention due to technology were the biggest issues facing young people behind the wheel.

“Young people are risk takers but on the road the consequences can be serious injury that could change a young life forever or death,” he said.

“A third of serious road crash casualties are aged be- tween 17 and 25 but they are only 11 per cent of the driving population.

“Taking risks has no place behind the wheel of a car.”

Internationally renowned young driver expert Associate Professor Teresa Senserrick from the University of New South Wales said teaching teens to manage distractions was the key to lowering risks once they hit the road solo.

“A young driver is four times more likely to be involved in a distraction or a inattentive-type crash compared to a more experienced driver,” she said.

“If you’re a parent or someone driving with that person you could talk about the different things you’re looking at and thinking about that they may not be aware of.”

Road Safety Advisory Council chairman Garry Bai- ley said the Department of State Growth had put forward a new graduating licensing scheme which was currently being evaluated.

“The safest time you’ll ever drive is when you're a learner but once you get your Ps the risk increases dramatically, it’s simply a matter of having not enough skills,” he said.

Once the evaluation is complete it will be sent to the State Government for consideration and a new program may be rolled out.

Police will be conducting high visibility patrols targeting the “fatal five” causes of road crashes for the rest of National Road Safety Week.

Emergency services vehicles will display a yellow ribbon for the week and landmarks will be lit in yellow lights to remember those killed or injured and their families.