ACT Policing’s October Traffic Focus is to centre on learner (L-plate) and provisional (P-plate) drivers’ licence holders.
The Police said that while the majority of young drivers aimed to drive safely and responsibly there continued to be risks, such as the inability to respond to hazards, inexperience, over-confidence, and deliberate risk-taking.
“This is why it is important to help drivers grow knowledge and driving experience through a staged approach to develop skills in low risk situations,” the police said in a statement.
They said speed continued to be the biggest issue with 436 P-plate drivers issued a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) for speeding this year.
Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Detective Acting Superintendent Marcus Boorman said teaching young drivers the right way to drive was crucial, and that started at home.
“Parents have a massive role to play in teaching their children about the right way to behave behind the wheel,” Detective A/Superintendent Boorman said.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility whether you’ve been driving for one month or 20 years,” he said.
“Younger drivers often have very little experience with things like driver fatigue, driving at night and carrying passengers, so it’s important to expose them to a wide range of driving scenarios and conditions while they’re learning.”
Detective A/Superintendent Boorman said that for P-platers taking their first steps as unsupervised drivers, the best thing that they could do was use common sense when behind the wheel.
“Be aware of and stay focused on the road and your surroundings, as well as other cars on the road, and always driver to the conditions,” he said.
“Make sure you and your passengers are wearing a seatbelt, and stay off your mobile phone.”
He reminded young people that the alcohol limit for L and P-plate drivers was 0.00.
“If you’re driving, don’t drink. If you are drinking, don’t drive,” Detective A/Superintendent Boorman said.
