New demerit point system will save young lives

05 November 2010

The RAC says a new system which forces novice drivers to earn increased demerit point limits will help cut the number of young drivers being killed on Western Australian roads.

The State government has announced the scheme which will come into force on 1 December.

Drivers with less than one year’s experience will only have three demerit points to lose (licence will be lost if you are penalised four demerit points). This will increase to seven points in the second year of driving before gaining the full 12 points in subsequent years.

RAC Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown said too many young drivers were being killed on Western Australian roads.

“This scheme is a form of early intervention aimed at weeding out the behaviours which put young drivers at risk,” he said.

“Young drivers make up around 14 per cent of the total driving population but account for around 30 per cent of fatal and serious accidents.

“The structure of the scheme makes allowances so that a first offence against most road rules in the first year will not result in a licence suspension, unless it occurs in a double-demerit holiday period.

“However it targets repeat offenders and sends the message that a licence is a privilege which comes with responsibilities.

“This is a tough but fair system which ultimately will help save lives on our roads by encouraging better road user behaviour in young drivers.

“The Parliament should be applauded for supporting this scheme and the Minister for Transport should take credit for seeing through on delivering this important road safety reform.”

The new system was recommended by the WA Road Safety Council. The RAC represents all road users on the Council.

Download the release (pdf)