The Saferoads Road Safety Initiative involves developing and implementing strategies and action plans to improve road safety in the local community. ‘Enhancing the Safety of Young Drivers’ is one of a series of resources designed to assist local government officers and community members to understand the issues involving younger drivers and to assist in the development and implementation of effective actions to address specific young driver road safety issues. It presents a range of ideas and options to assist those interested in improving road safety of novice drivers in the community by building on the work already being undertaken by local government. It complements the state-wide road safety program. In 2002, 28% of drivers who died on Victorian roads were aged between 18 and 25 years despite the fact that this age group makes up only 13% of all licensed drivers. Many more have suffered serious injuries as a result of road casualty crashes. These deaths and serious injuries produce intense personal and family pain and emotional suffering. The community as a whole also suffers from the waste of the potential of a young human life. In addition to these deaths and injuries, road crashes incur a significant level of damage to personal and community property. Damage ties up human and financial resources that could be more effectively used in other ways to benefit the community. These deaths, injuries and other crash consequences are not inevitable. Development of safe young drivers is achievable. This resource presents a range of multi-action ideas and options, which can be implemented at the local level to enhance the safety of younger drivers. Activities vary from providing education and raising awareness, to development or implementation of programs and resources, which can aid young drivers to become safer. This resource will assist municipalities to implement actions in co-operative partnerships with other key road safety agencies and community groups to tackle this important road safety challenge. Background information is provided on young driver issues, including the ways in which municipalities can play a role. There is an important focus on being able to provide accurate information to young drivers and other interested parties about ways to reduce young driver road safety risk and dispel common misunderstandings. (Author/publisher)
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