RAC has welcomed the WA Government's announcement of new road safety measures for probationary drivers, including a new one passenger limit for red P-Plate drivers, and the expansion of various road safety programs.
It comes as Western Australia remains on track to record one of the worst years for road deaths in a decade.
In early September, the WA Government held a Road Safety Meeting, attended by the Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Police, and industry and community stakeholders.
During this meeting RAC raised the importance of delivering Driving Change, the WA Government's endorsed road safety strategy.
One of the key issues raised by RAC was the need for legislative changes for learner and novice drivers. This included:
- Peer passenger restrictions for under 25-year-olds while on their red P plates.
- Increasing the minimum learner period and number of supervised hours in the learner phase.
- Strengthening the Graduated Licensing System for motorcyclists.
In addition to announcing passenger restrictions for red P Platers, the WA Government will also conduct a review focused on learner and provisional driver schemes and training requirements for motorcycle and heavy vehicle licenses.
It is positive to see the WA Government taking proactive steps on measures that will make our roads safer.
Safer speeds, regional road improvements and compulsory road safety education for secondary schools were other initiatives put forward by RAC, and we look forward to the WA Government’s response to these important priorities.
ENDS
Media Contact: RAC media team, 0401 703 729 or media@rac.com.au
